The residents of Antigonish and surrounding communities will soon have access to new sport field facilities that will equip the community to host regional, national and international tournaments as a result of an investment by the Government of Canada.
"The economy is our government's top priority and we recognize that investments in local infrastructure help to build strong, vibrant communities and contribute to tourism and economic growth," said 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 (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "Our investment ensures that people of all ages have access to safe, modern sporting facilities for the foreseeable future."
Our government's investment assists the Antigonish Town and County Recreation Association (ATCRA) to establish new sport venues in Antigonish. Those facilities include an all-weather soccer and football turf and baseball field at Dr. J. H. Gillis High School and an eight-lane track and field facility at St. Andrew's Junior High School. The enhanced infrastructure will position the community to host regional and national sport tourism events.
In addition to the Government of Canada's $500,000 investment, support for the project comes from the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness ($150,000); the Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism ($350,000); the Municipality of the County of Antigonish ($250,000); the Town of Antigonish ($250,000); ATCRA ($1,130,658); the Strait Regional School Board ($150,000); the Antigonish Sports Associations (100,000) and $30,000 from local schools in Antigonish.
"On behalf of the Association, I'd like to express our gratitude for ACOA's support in bringing this infrastructure to Antigonish," said Danny Berry, President of the Antigonish Town and County Recreation Association. "I'd like to thank everyone who has had a hand in making our community healthier."
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Defence Minister and Member of Parliament for Central Nova Peter MacKay today announced $500,000 in federal funding to support the development of a sport tourism sector in Antigonish. The investment will help the Antigonish Town and County Recreation Association to establish new sport venues to enable the community to host regional, national and international sport tourism events.
Christopher Brooks
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790/902- 789-5184 (cell)
Email : Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
