Lakes and District Fire Department Renovates to Better Serve Community
News release
Expanded facility will create a community centre for Lake George residents and surrounding area
November 13, 2018 – Lake George, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Investing in infrastructure is a proven and effective way to enhance the quality of life for residents while also boosting economic growth in a region. A new community centre in Lake George will help improve emergency services, increase training opportunities and provide a venue to host larger scale events.
Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), was onsite today at the Lakes and District Fire Department with the Honourable Zach Churchill, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yarmouth, and Leland Anthony, Warden of the Municipality of Yarmouth, to announce support for renovations to the building.
The Lakes and District Fire Department is undertaking a project to convert two existing truck bays into a 1,500 square-foot community centre. The centre will be furnished with amenities needed to host computer training, exercise classes, and its regular social activities.
The renovated community infrastructure will also serve as a centre to help integrate newcomers to the area. Surrounding businesses are increasingly hiring foreign workers to meet labour needs, particularly in fish processing plants. Welcoming these new members of the community to the area will be essential when they consider their decision to remain in Yarmouth County. The Lakes and District Fire Department and Auxiliary hope to support inclusive growth through its programming in the centre.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to build strong, inclusive communities, and improve the region's capacity to compete in a global market.
"Canada is a country that is defined by its inviting spaces and people. Community infrastructure allows Canadians to come together, whether they are friends, neighbours or strangers. This investment in a community-building project ensures our country's legacy of diversity and openness will continue for generations to come."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"The renovation of the Lake and District Fire Department is essential to better serving the community.These modifications will result in significant improvements for the emergency response unit, for the community centre, and as a hub for skills training in the area. Having a new multi-use space with a broad range of programming will help to bring together residents and newcomers. "
- Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
"Community centres serve as important focal points in communities where people of all ages can gather for recreation, learning and social opportunities. Through the Culture Action Plan, we are making it a priority to ensure that all Nova Scotians have access to spaces to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. A healthier Nova Scotia will create a stronger Nova Scotia – socially, economically, emotionally and in so many other ways."
- The Honourable Zach Churchill, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yarmouth on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister, Honourable Leo Glavine
"It has been my dream since I started the Auxiliary nine years ago to have a facility that we can work out of so that the people in our district can utilize the hall. I want the people to have a place that they can use for entertainment, business, and for personal use and enjoyment. I'm thrilled to have this project finally come to fruition."
- Corinne Killam, President, Lakes and District Fire Department Auxiliary
Quick facts
Created in 1977, the Fire Department is a community hub that hosts weddings, meetings, soup kitchens and other community initiatives in addition to offering emergency and fire services.
ACOA, through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), is providing a $78,000 non-repayable contribution toward the project. The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth is providing $10,000.
The provincial department of Communities, Culture and Heritage will also be providing $78,000 in funding through the Recreation Facility Development Grant program for the construction of the accessible community centre and gathering place. The funding will help provide a space for all ages to be active and engaged in their community.
The new centre will have wheelchair accessible washrooms and showers so that all members of the community can use the facility during storms or times of drought when wells run dry.
The centre will also host cooking, sewing, music and art lessons, basic carpentry and woodworking, yoga and other exercise classes.
Weekly bingo, suppers and a canteen at the hall have helped raise funds for the project and equipment for the firefighters, including the Jaws of Life, new uniforms and exercise equipment.
