Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) will soon have two new recreation centres and four newly-expanded trails, thanks to funding made available through the Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.  

The projects include new recreation centres in Prospect Road and Fall River.  Each community centre will serve more than 100,000 people in eight communities and include a full-sized gym, fitness centre, multi-purpose programming space and meeting rooms.  There will be upgrades to the following HRM trails: Bedford Highway bikeway, Shubie Canal trail, Dartmouth Harbourfront trails, and the Halifax urban greenway.

Federal and provincial funding of $5,444,000 was announced today.  HRM will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement and federal environmental assessment approval.

"Canada's New Government is getting things done by investing in projects that deliver real and lasting benefits for families and communities around Halifax" said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Through our investment of over $2 million, we delivering on our promise to make communities vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families".

Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, said the investment is helping build healthier and more vibrant communities.

"Today’s investment is an investment in the health and wellness of HRM residents,” said Mr. Muir.  “The two community centres and the trails will encourage sports and recreation to residents of all ages.” 

Peter Kelly, Mayor of HRM, said he is pleased these projects are moving forward.

“Recreation centres and trails help create vital communities by encouraging healthy lifestyles and community engagement,” said Mayor Peter Kelly. “This is a very worthwhile investment that will benefit many HRM residents as well as visitors to our region.”

The $111 million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the management committee.

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For more information:

David Harrigan

Media Relations Officer

ACOA Nova Scotia

902-426-4238

Deborah Bayer

Communications Advisor

Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat

902-424-0112