The Village of Freeport will have improved fire protection services and increased community meeting and event space, thanks to the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of nearly $250,000 from the Community Adjustment Program (CAF), a major component of the Economic Action Plan, to support the construction of a new fire hall in the village of Freeport.
“Federal investments under the Economic Action Plan are designed to stimulate the economy, create and sustain jobs and support Canadians communities hard hit by the global economic downturn,” said MP Kerr. “Construction of a new fire station here in Freeport will provide employment to tradespeople, contractors and others while providing needed and enhanced community infrastructure.” T hrough this investment, a 6,000 square foot fire hall will be constructed on land that has been donated by a local resident. The facility will not only provide a home for the volunteer fire department, it will also feature a community room and be equipped with a kitchen that can serve up to 130 people.
Over the next two years, CAF will deliver a total of $1 billion to local economies throughout Canada. The total CAF allocation for Atlantic Canada is $100.4 million and is delivered in the region by ACOA.
“This is a community-run, volunteer organization,” said Gerald Moore, Fire Chief of the Freeport Fire Department. “The people of Freeport have extended a tremendous amount of support to make this project a reality. Today, their vision of a facility that could not only provide improved emergency services, but be a space where the community could come together in celebration, has become a reality.” Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides funding over two years for the CAF program and is being used to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities, as well as to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building.
The CAF program is delivering timely and targeted stimulus to help communities and industries meet the challenges arising from the impact of the global economic slowdown.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is providing economic stimulus to construct a new fire hall in the village of Freeport under the new $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund. MP for West Nova, Greg Kerr today announced an investment of nearly $250,000 for the Freeport Fire Department Brigade to construct a facility which will accommodate the needs of the fire department as well as community groups and organizations.
-30-
INFORMATION:
David Harrigan
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA Nova Scotia
902-426-4238
