New and improved docks and boardwalk offer better experience for paddlers and spectators

“Being known as the ‘City of Lakes’ is such an advantage for Dartmouth. With these upgrades, Lake Banook is the whole package: a world-class sports destination bringing athletes and spectators from around the world, and an accessible space, where all community members can stay healthy and active.”

-        The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“When you’re from Dartmouth, people don’t ask you if you paddle, they ask you where you paddle. With the incredible success of Canoe ‘22 and the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG 2023), to kids paddling in their first regattas for non-profit paddling clubs on beautiful Lake Banook — the canoe kayak facilities and boardwalk on the lake are so important to Dartmouth. The support we’ve delivered will ensure that future international events are as successful and exciting, while ensuring safer recreational spaces for our community to enjoy.”

-        Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

“Lake Banook is essential to Dartmouth’s character and pride of place. This welcome investment further develops this remarkable natural venue for local and international paddlers and rowers and all who enjoy Lake Banook.”

-    Mike Savage, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality

“Canoe ‘22 was a huge success and was the most accessible world championship ever because of the support by the federal government to upgrade the dock system at Lake Banook. The new docking system allows all competitors to have the same access to the racecourse. Canoe ’22 thanks the Government of Canada for their ongoing support of all canoe and kayak athletes.”

-    Stephen Gallant, Vice Chair of the Canoe ’22 Society

• The Canoe ’22 Society is a not-for-profit organization formed to organize and host the 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships which took place last year at the Dartmouth Canoe Kayak Centre on Lake Banook. This Centre is the headquarters of the Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC).

• The ADCKC also recently supported the Paracanoe World Championships and hosted events for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in July 2023. The Games brought together 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate and reconnect through sport and culture in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Punamu’kwati’jk (Dartmouth) and Millbrook First Nation (Niktuipukwek).

• The ADCKC is currently hosting the 2023 Canoe Kayak Canada National Sprint Championships which began August 29, and will wrap up on September 3.

• In addition to the public at large, the facility also supports the development of world-class athletes, many of whom have gone on to compete in international events, including the Olympics.

• The Lake Banook boardwalk is adjacent to Lake Banook, near downtown Dartmouth. It is a popular place for residents and visitors to enjoy time outside and watch paddlers and kayakers on the lake.

• The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) was launched in June 2021 and ended on March 31, 2023. The fund provided $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible.

• The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supported two major streams of activity:

  • adapting community spaces and assets to be more accessible and inclusive,
  • building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to engage in and explore their communities and regions. 

• In March, the Public Policy Forum published a report that confirms that Atlantic Canada’s economy is bustling and the region is poised for exponential growth. 

Hugo Alvarez
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
Hugo.Alvarez@ised-isde.gc.ca

Anya Melzer
Acting Communications Director
Atlantic Canada Opportunities
902-440-7258
Anya.Melzer@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Public Affairs Office
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-7400
Mediarelations@halifax.ca

Stephen Gallant
Vice Chair
Canoe ’22 Society
902-414-2599
Steve@Canoe22.com

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