Five projects that benefit families in the Halifax Regional Municipality are being supported by the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC), a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced a total government investment of nearly $1.6 million in support of the construction and enhancement of recreational sites in Nova Scotia's capital city.
"This federal investment benefits residents throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality right now and will in the future, too," said Minister MacKay. "Investing in recreational facilities through Canada's Economic Action Plan contributes to local economic activity, helps the tourism industry and ensures that future generations of Canadians can enjoy local arenas, pools, and trails for decades to come,"
Soccer Nova Scotia, the provincial organization responsible for the promotion and development of soccer within the province, will design and build an indoor soccer facility on the Mainland Commons in Halifax. The Government of Canada is investing $1,000,000 in this project.
An investment of $320,000 will allow the Dartmouth Sportsplex to undergo a series of upgrades aimed at increasing the facility's energy efficiency. Enhancements include the installation of new air conditioning and heat recovery systems, new arena boards and improvements to the dressing rooms.
In Portland Hills, six kilometers of existing pathways will be improved―creating an active transportation route that caters to walkers and cyclist and provides links to neighborhood schools, shopping and services. This project is receiving an investment of $200,000.
The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth operates the oldest residential youth camp in Canada at a facility in Merigomish Harbour. The Government of Canada is investmenting more than $36,000in the Big Cove YMCA Camp to help build a new four-season multipurpose building. The new structure will provide campers with a warm and dry area in which to engage in field sports, rope climbing, orienteering and camping.
The Banook Canoe Club, in Dartmouth, is receiving $26,667 to replace damaged siding, windows and sills, and undertake exterior painting and a re-pointing the clubhouse chimney.
This series of infrastructure projects compliment work currently underway across the province in preparation for the 2011 Halifax Canada Winter Games.
"Enhanced recreational facilities mean safer, healthier communities," said Peter Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality. "These projects will not only benefit residents of HRM, but also those in communities across Nova Scotia and visitors to our region."
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides funding over two years for the RInC program and is being used to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities, as well as to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building.
The RInC program is helping to stimulate the economy, create jobs and contribute to the health and quality of life of Atlantic Canadians in our local communities. The RInC program is administered in Nova Scotia by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE: Defence Minister Peter MacKay, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield, today announced an investment of $1.6 to upgrade recreational facilities in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The money is going to five organizations including Soccer Nova Scotia, the Dartmouth Sportsplex, HRM's Portland Hills Multi-purpose Trail, the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, and the Banook Canoe Club.
The federal funding is being provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a key component of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
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For Information:
John Soosaar
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA Nova Scotia
902-426-1933 / 902- 401-9705 (cell)
Email: John.Soosaar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Shaune MacKinlay
Manager of Public Affairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-6531 / 902-233-6838 (cell)
Email: mackins@halifax.ca
