MEDIA ADVISORY

Construction to Begin on New East Dartmouth Community Centre

(Friday, August 10/07) -- Members of Halifax Regional Council, the Honourable Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and residents of East Dartmouth will celebrate at a barbeque and groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the East Dartmouth Community Centre. The ground breaking will take place on Saturday, August 11 at 1 pm at Beazley Field Track, Caledonia Road, with the barbecue to follow.

“We’re very excited to see construction starting on what will be a modern community centre for the residents of East Dartmouth,” says Mayor Peter Kelly. “We understand the importance of having a place where families and neighbourhoods can come together and socialize and participate in recreational programs. The positive influence of the centre will be felt by everyone in the community, especially our youth, so we look forward to their growth and successes in the years to come. ”

“By investing in stronger, healthier communities, we’re building a stronger Nova Scotia,” says Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. “Projects like the East Dartmouth Community Centre are examples of how government partnerships can benefit both the individual and the community as a whole.”

With funding secured and architectural plans complete, the opening of the East Dartmouth Community Centre is scheduled for June 2008. The HRM-owned facility will be the new, permanent home of Boys and Girls Club of East Dartmouth.

“When we were deciding on what we wanted in a community centre, we knew we wanted it to serve as a focal point for community programs and services inclusive to all ages, abilities and cultures,” says Councillor Andrew Younger. “We sincerely hope this will be a place you are proud to be a part of.”

There is still a need for funding to outfit the centre with furniture and equipment; an estimated $500,000 will need to be raised to fully furnish and provide all the equipment necessary to offer quality programs and services to the community. Needs for the centre include chairs, tables, silverware, a portable stage, computers for classes and educational events and furniture for the lobby, and sporting equipment for the new gym.

To find out about how you can help contribute to the success of the centre, visit us online at http://www.halifax.ca/facilities/EastDartmouth/CorporatePartners.html

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Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010

Councillor Andrew Younger
490-7035