BERWICK - There’s more than $400,000 in federal funds coming to the West Nova riding in support of community programs.
West Nova MP Colin Fraser visited the Berwick and District Library March 2 to announce that 26 community-based projects will receive a combined total of $416,054 in cash from the Government of Canada.
“We want to ensure seniors are thriving and enjoying their community life,” said Fraser, who noted that many of the projects selected for funding are led by inspired seniors promoting volunteerism within their communities.
The project grants were secured through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, and announced on behalf of Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
The new library in Berwick, described by Fraser as “a model for all libraries right across our country,” proved to be a fitting setting for the announcement, with the Annapolis Valley Regional Library (AVRL) organization counted among the funding recipients.
AVRL will receive $24,571 for an initiative that aims to provide seniors with a print disability with the tools and training necessary to partake in more social programs within the community.
“I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting this worthwhile initiative that will provide seniors with print disabilities with greater access to the wealth of resources and programs provided by the Annapolis Valley Regional Library. This is a prime example of what the New Horizons for Seniors Program is designed to do: support community-based projects that allow seniors to lead and participate in activities within their local communities," said Fraser in an AVRL media release Feb. 26.
The library funding will be used for new technology such as eBooks, audiobooks and tablets at the public libraries in Middleton, Berwick and Hantsport. The grant money will also help AVRL find trainers to mentor seniors making use of the Empowering Participation By All program.
“Needs such as access to reading materials for book clubs, confidence to use online banking, and training have been identified by AVRL and community groups that work with seniors,” the AVRL media release reads.
“The project will involve groups such as the VON, church groups, and seniors’ facilities.”
Several projects in Kings and Annapolis counties secured funding, including:
- $23,403 for new stones at the Bridgetown curling club
- $23,329 to help the Margaretsville Shore Society renovate a boathouse that will be used as a community gathering place
- $19,750 for digital equipment that will be used for exercise classes, educational events and community activities put on by the Paradise Active Healthy Living Society
- $18,754 for renovations and ventilation equipment at the West Dalhousie Community Hall
- $17,750 for cooking, painting, exercise and photography classes hosted by the Nictaux Super Seniors
- $13,325 to assist with physical activities, meals and guest speaker events in Bridgetown
- $12,837 for the Port Lorne Community Centre Association for renovations, parking lot upgrades and a video screen purchase
- $10,000 for a portable outdoor games purchase for the Town of Berwick
- $9,225 to the Senior Trail Blazers in Nictaux for park venue renovations
- $9,030 for kitchen renovations and building improvements at the Windermere Community Hall
