Abenaki Aquatic Club will benefit from new construction to help bring people back to public spaces safely

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for local economies to thrive as they rebound from the effects of COVID-19

July 28, 2022 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced an investment of $315,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Abenaki Aquatic Club. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow the Abenaki Aquatic Club to build a two-story boathouse and clubhouse, replacing its existing facility which has served the community for over 50 years. The project supports demolition, construction, plumbing and landscaping. The new structure will house equipment and enable the Club to provide safe, accessible recreational programming to community members.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared public spaces like the Abenaki Aquatic Club in Dartmouth helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, creates jobs, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”

- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Abenaki Aquatic Club is near and dear to our hearts in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour. This incredible Club on beautiful Bell Lake provides families in our community with easy access to nature and healthy activity right in the city. The investment we’re delivering today is a game-changer for Abenaki and our community as a whole. I know that this new two-story boathouse and clubhouse will help the Club and families across Dartmouth—Cole Harbour gather and enjoy this incredible space, while spending time swimming and paddling on the lake.”

- Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour

Quick facts

  • The Abenaki Aquatic Club is a non-profit organization located on Bell Lake in Dartmouth. It is the only women-led paddling club in the Atlantic region.

  • The Club hosts both competitive and recreational paddling. It offers high-level canoe and kayak training, as well as swimming lessons.

  • Community members have access to inclusive programming throughout spring, summer and fall.

  • The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:

    • adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
    • building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

  • Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.

  • Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the Tourism Relief Fund.

  • On March 18, 2022, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) launched Rediscover Main Streets, a $10 million initiative to support locally-driven measures aimed at encouraging Atlantic Canadians and visitors to rediscover main streets and neighbourhoods across the region. This initiative complements other federal, provincial and municipal measures to help businesses and communities build back better. 

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lori Selig
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca   

Jennifer Mosher
Volunteer Commodore
Abenaki Aquatic Club
902-210-4077
AACcommodore@gmail.com

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