Feds chip in for new accessible playground
Also funds for art and fitness programs for seniors
It’s all smiles at the West Side Community Centre in New Glasgow after Ottawa announced a major cash injection for a new disabled-friendly playground Thursday.
Central Nova MP Sean Fraser said that the Town of New Glasgow has received $44,049 through Ottawa’s Enabling Accessibility Fund toward construction of an accessible playground at the WSCC.
Project work is expected to start this spring and its estimated cost is $69,917, with $13,868 coming from the WSCC and $12,000 through cash and in-kind contributions from the Town of New Glasgow.
“We’re taking an inclusive approach to ensure that all people can benefit,” said Fraser. “That I think is important and it’s a cause for celebration.”
The WSCC is a town-owned building operated by a volunteer board of directors and is now one of the 3,000 or so projects funded by Ottawa’s Enabling Accessibility Fund since 2007.
“We are one of the only fully wheelchair-accessible community centres in our surrounding area, which is really exciting,” said board member Emily Morton-Fraser.
There was more good news for seniors in Westville, who can now enjoy an art program and better fitness classes after Ottawa ponied up $2,110 for the Westville Heritage Group, a group for seniors over 55. The group is based out of Westville’s municipal building.
The money will pay for an amp for the instructor to use during fitness classes and activities. Over the last two years, the group has had to borrow an amp from a staff member.
Additionally, funds are being used to purchase paint, canvases and brushes for artists.
“In rural Nova Scotia, we have an aging population and the thing that keeps our people and our communities going is good programming, where people can get out of their homes, take part in a social atmosphere and enjoy being a member of the community in the fullest sense,” said Fraser.
Federal money for the Heritage Group was handed over through Ottawa’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.