News Release
HRM Community Grants Program Announces Awards for 2007
(Wednesday, May 16/07)-- Halifax Regional Council has approved a total of $357,138 in grants to non-profit groups throughout the region to support the efforts of local volunteers in addressing environmental protection, accessible recreation, affordable housing, heritage preservation, the arts, and neighbourhood public safety. A total of 59 grants were awarded for various programming and capital projects.
"This year’s awards show an increase in assistance to recreational facilities in rural areas, where the local population may be too small to support a government-owned and operated building. Local community halls, camp sites, club sports fields and waterfront amenities, for example, enhance the range of recreational and leisure opportunities available to the general public", says Councillor Russell Walker, Chair of the HRM Grants Committee. "Our grants to sailing, canoe, and paddling programs in Dartmouth, Lake Echo, Waverley, Sackville, and Halifax foster the inclusion of youth and disabled persons and support this region’s strong cultural association with the sea and abundance of lakes".
Among this year’s recipients are the Sail Able Association of Nova Scotia and the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS), who both received $5,000 towards the purchase of specialized sailing equipment for disabled persons; Nova Scotia Sea School received $2,400 towards an outdoor education program for youth; the Sheet Harbour Rockets Baseball Association received $4,400; and the Cunard Street Children’s Centre received $3,500 for playground enhancements.
The Mic Mac Native Friendship Centre will receive a $25,000 grant for the development of a new centre to serve the off-reserve community; Victoria Hall, a registered heritage building located on Gottingen Street, will receive a Capital Grant of $16,000 for upgrades to the building’s facade ; and a $15,000 grant goes to the Bide-A-While Shelter Society’s new facility in Dartmouth.
The complete HRM Grants Committee report can be viewed at http://www.halifax.ca/boards/bccgrants/CommunityGrantsProgram.html
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Councillor Russell Walker
Chair, HRM Grants Committee
497-7215
