18 December 2010
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Cornwallis will soon be home to the first-ever Fundy YMCA, thanks to $300,000 in support from the Government of Canada to fund important upgrades to the community’s former wellness centre.
“Our government’s investment in these essential improvements to the Centre will help ensure that the people of Cornwallis and surrounding communities continue to have access to valuable community recreational resource,” said Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “The YMCA’s role in the management of the upgraded facility will add to the quality of the services offered through the Centre and to the attractiveness of Cornwallis as a place in which to live, work and invest.”
The investment will assist the Municipality of the County of Annapolis in upgrading the former wellness centre facility located at Cornwallis Park and its exercise equipment to meet YMCA standards. Planned upgrades include an expansion of the cardio fitness area, reconfiguring of office space, safety improvements and a state-of-the-art air conditioning system. Once upgrades are complete, the facility will be managed by the YMCA and will serve area residents and clientele of the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre and the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre.
Additional funding for the project includes $150,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia, $100,000 from the Municipality of the District of Digby, and $100,000 from the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre, with additional support from a community fundraising campaign which will include an $80,000 donation from the Annapolis West Health Foundation.
"Helping to reopen this facility is the right decision for the people of this region, providing opportunities for residents to lead active, healthy lives," said Minister Ramona Jennex, on behalf of Health Promotion and Protection Minister Maureen MacDonald. "Investing in recreation facilities is part of our commitment to make life better for families in Nova Scotia."
“Strong partnership is the key to any success and this is a good example of the outcome,” said Reg Ritchie, Warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis. “The financial support of these organizations shows a combined effort in reaching a common goal of ensuring a sustainable wellness facility for the people in our region wanting to pursue and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. This financial support and the YMCA’s dedication have given us confidence that this project will come to fruition.”
The project is supported by Team Southwest Nova Scotia, a committee of community and government members that was launched in April 2010. Team Southwest works with local businesses and communities to identify and develop strategic, long-term solutions to help the economies of Southwest Nova Scotia rebuild after experiencing significant challenges.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, today announced a $300,000 federal investment in the creation of the Fundy YMCA in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. MP Kerr made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. The investment will assist the Municipality of the County of Annapolis in upgrading the community’s former wellness facility to meet YMCA standards.
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Christopher Brooks Manager, Communications and Outreach Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 902-426-4790/902-789-5184 (cell) Email : Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
