Community Projects to Receive Upgrades in Dartmouth

Government of Canada supports enhancements to church hall, veteran’s association and Acadian facilities

Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, today announced contributions under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) totalling $108,750 for three infrastructure projects in Dartmouth. Today’s announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

A $58,000 contribution is being provided for renovations to Dartmouth’s historic St. James United Church hall. This funding will enable St. James, which provides essential outreach services to the community, to undertake exterior repairs and modifications to the community hall, including replacement of exterior siding and replacement of a deteriorated emergency exit for increased safety and usability.

The hall, located below the church, is used extensively for various community outreach programs including a community food bank; Christmas for Singles event; a youth program meeting space; seniors' programs; community music recitals and concerts; and showcasing events for downtown businesses and services.

A $31,750 contribution is also being provided to La Société Maison acadienne in Dartmouth for the installation of a new fire escape, energy efficient doors and windows, and new exterior siding.

La Maison acadienne is home to the Fédération culturelle acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, le Conseil jeunesse provincial, and the Rassemblement des aînés et aînées de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Each of these organizations plays an important role in the ongoing promotion of social, cultural, and economic well-being and the development of the Acadian community in Nova Scotia.

Furthermore, a $19,000 contribution will be provided to the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada Unit 349 in Dartmouth. The project involves the installation of new heat pumps to modernize that facility’s heating system and significantly reduce operating costs.

The Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada is Canada’s oldest veterans’ association. Each unit seeks to promote the well-being and care for Canadian veterans while maintaining strong ties to the military community throughout the British Commonwealth.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to help revitalize these community facilities in Dartmouth through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. These projects  are perfect examples of how our government is boosting community-based partnerships while securing a better future for all Canadians.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Multipurpose facilities with compassionate caretakers are important parts of any city. The Government of Canada’s support will help enhance the benefits that these diverse institutions bring to people across our community. These spaces bring family, friends and neighbours together to celebrate and honour a shared commitment to mutual prosperity.”

-       Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

“We at Saint James United Church are so pleased that the Government of Canada has put in place the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program which recognizes the value of many local community organizations by supporting their projects. Our project will ensure that our facility can continue to provide vital community based programs and activities, including a community food bank. This would not have been possible without the support from ACOA and Canada 150.”

-       Dale Hudson, Building Committee Project Manager, Saint James United Church

“Over the last few years, we did important work at La Maison acadienne, such as installing a natural gas heating system, new flooring and a new reception area. This new project will make this important asset of the Acadian community safer and more attractive, and will further reduce the building’s energy consumption.”

-       Marie-Claude Rioux, Manager, La Maison acadienne

“Army Navy Air Force Unit 349 not only supports veterans and first responders, it also supports many community events. As a non-profit, in order to support the community we try to be self-sustaining but sometimes we require a bit of help. As such, ANAF Unit 349 greatly appreciates the support from our Member of Parliament and ACOA through the Canada 150 program. Without this assistance, we would not have been able to upgrade our heating and cooling system to make it more environmentally friendly.”

-        Wendell Kitchen, President, Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada Unit 349

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• St. James United Church
• La Maison acadienne
• Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: alex.smith@canada.ca

Dale Hudson, P.Eng.
Building Committee Project Manager
Saint James United Church
Phone: 902-496-5838
Email: dale.hudson@pwgsc.gc.ca

Marie-Claude Rioux
Manager
La Maison acadienne
Phone: 902-433-0064
Email: dg@federationacadienne.ca 

Wendell Kitchen
President
Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada Unit 349
Phone: 902-435-2933
Email: w.g.kitchen@hotmail.com

Background

The CIP150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150^th anniversary of Confederation. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government of Canada’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.