Banook Canoe Club launches historical revitalization

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada contributes to designs for renovation to beloved building

October 26, 2023 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada’s recreation facilities offer an inclusive environment where people of all ages participate in activities that promote lifelong well-being and community engagement. They also host exciting events that bring visitors and boost tourism. The Government of Canada is investing to help sports organizations in Nova Scotia foster healthy and accessible opportunities for residents and visitors.

Paddles Up for the Banook Canoe Club

Today, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, announced an investment of $115,128 to the Banook Canoe Club. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This contribution helped the Canoe Club engage architectural and engineering expertise to draft plans for a historical revitalization. The Lake Banook Clubhouse will be modernized, making it fully accessible and safe for all athletes and visitors, while respecting the historic character of the building. A newly-launched capital campaign will help the organization raise the funds needed to complete its work.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting accessible and inclusive spaces.

Quotes

“The Banook Canoe Club has been an important part of Dartmouth’s community life for more than a century. Preserving it for the next generation, while making it more accessible is a win-win. Investing in community institutions boosts tourism, strengthens local economies, and helps Dartmouth capitalize on the momentum in Atlantic Canada.”

- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“For over 120 years, the non-profit Banook Canoe Club has served our community. From those who enjoy paddling for physical and social activity, to athletes following their Olympic dreams—the Banook Canoe Club enhances quality of life for residents in Dartmouth while providing integral facilities for international events. I can’t wait to see this iconic building preserved and enhanced for our community to enjoy today and well into the future.”

- Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

“I think the revitalization of the Banook Canoe Club is going to be epic. It's going to bring a whole new spark to people's lives. The main message I would love to give folks who want to support this club is that it's a place for all. So many people have used this space over the decades in the history of this special spot and keeping that tradition going forward just cements it more in our community. I know the hearts of Dartmouthians and Nova Scotians and people from all over will support this initiative and this big final push."

- Karen Furneaux, OLY Assistant Coach at Banook Canoe Club

Quick facts

  • The Banook Canoe Club is a non-profit organization which aims to provide a balanced approach to coaching, encourage community active participation, and support lifelong well-being. The Club offers programs in sprint canoe and kayaks, war canoe, dragon boat and kiddie canoe.

  • The current clubhouse is a historical building, dating back to 1903. Besides fitness and training programs, it is also a community meeting space for weddings, dances, after-school programming and social events.

  • Today, the Banook Canoe Club announced its “Paddle Up” capital campaign, which aims to fundraise $5 million to revitalize the clubhouse. Construction is underway and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2025.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund.

Contacts

Kevin Lemkay
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Kevin.Lemkay@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

David Jarrett
General Manager
Banook Canoe Club
902-464-1740
Manager@BanookCanoeClub.com

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