Cape Breton Regional Municipality will benefit from new accessible park to help bring people back to public spaces safely

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for local economies to thrive as they rebound from the effects of COVID-19

December 23, 2021 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney—Victoria, announced an investment of $75,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The support will allow Cape Breton Regional Municipality to construct an accessible pump track. This park will feature small humps and banked turns for pedal bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and wheelchairs. Users can ride the track by pumping their body up and down to gain momentum and maintain speed. Pump tracks are becoming increasingly popular in parks around the world among users of all skill levels.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.