Wentworth, Nova Scotia - Two projects that build on the assets of Cumberland County are now underway, thanks to the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key economic stimulus initiative contained in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as well as the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced a total Government of Canada investment of $336,500 to support the construction and enhancement of facilities in Wentworth and Pugwash.
“The Government of Canada, through the Economic Action Plan, is committed to taking steps and supporting efforts that reduce the effects of the economic slowdown,” said Mr. Armstrong. “Projects such as these build on established community assets that will stand the test of time for generations to come.”
Through a CAF investment of $86,500, two buildings in the Wentworth Valley will be prepared to host some of the planned events for the 2011 Canada Winter Games. The Wentworth Valley Community Association Hall and the Wentworth Community Centre will undergo a series of upgrades ― preparing both facilities to welcome the athletes, coaches, planners, spectators, and media who will be taking in the Alpine Downhill skiing events at Ski Wentworth.
In addition to the Government of Canada’s funding, other funders include the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Economic and Rural Development $24,000, and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland $10,000.
“This exciting community-led initiative will create a future meeting place and the ability for this vibrant community to host events for years to come,” said Lenore Zann, MLA for Truro-Bible Hill, on behalf of the Minister for Economic and Rural development, Percy Paris. “Projects such as these demonstrate the leadership and partnerships that are vital to growing the economy and building strong, sustainable communities for Nova Scotia.”
Through an additional ICF investment of $250,000, the Government of Canada will also assist in the structural restoration and stabilization of the Thinkers’ Lodge on the Cyrus Eaton Estate in Pugwash. The Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development also contributed to this project. The facility, which was officially honoured in 2008 as a Site of National Historic Significance, is the birthplace of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs.
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland is also contributing $50,000 to this project.
“Cumberland County’s continued growth and economic success is dependent on supporting initiatives, like these, that underscore the value of existing community resources,” said Rhonda Kelly, Executive Director of the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association.
Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The CAF program is providing a $1 billion over two years to help create jobs and maintain employment in communities impacted by the economic downturn. In Atlantic Canada, CAF is delivered by ACOA.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of Defence Minister Peter MacKay today announced an investment of more than $336,000 to upgrade two community centres in the Wentworth Valley for the 2011 Canada Winter Games, and to restore the Thinkers’ Lodge in Pugwash. The investment is through the Community Adjustment and Innovative Community Funds, two key components of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
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Paul Moore
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA Nova Scotia
902-426-3470
902-222-3360 (Cell)
Email: Paul.Moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Heather Deighan Communications Advisor
Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development
902-424-5836
902-219-1507 (Cell)
Email: DEIGHAHX@gov.ns.ca
Rhonda Kelly
Cumberland Regional Development Agency
902-667-3638
E-mail: RhondaK@creda.net
