LOWER SACKVILLE: A new 9,200 square foot multi-purpose centre is set to be constructed in Lower Sackville, aimed at serving surrounding communities.
At a press conference at Sack-A-Wa Canoe & Kayak Club on First Lake Drive on Feb. 12, Darrell Samson, MP for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook; Premier Stephen McNeil; Lower Sackville Councillor Steve Craig; and Shane Feriancek, Sack-A-Wa Co-Comodore, announced the construction of the Sack-a-wa Multipurpose Training Facility, a new multi-purpose recreation and sports complex.
The Government of Canada is contributing over $436,000 through the National and Regional Projects. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing over $722,000, with the Halifax Regional Municipality providing $75,000 in funding. The Sack-a-wa Canoe Club is providing the remainder of project funding and donations in kind.
Once complete, the new sports and recreation centre will service the communities of Sackville, Beaver Bank, Mount Uniacke, and Hammonds Plains, as well as the greater HRM.
The facility will provide sport and community programming for residents, visitors, seniors and persons with disabilities of all ages, meeting the needs of a growing community.
It will also provide a year-round training centre for the canoe club and local paddling programs, improved boat storage, and community event space that will increase economic opportunities in the region.
“Residents and visitors to the Halifax Regional Municipality will soon have even greater access to sport and recreational activities thanks to the new Sack-a-wa Multipurpose Training Facility,” said Samson. “Not only will the centre support active, healthy lifestyles with community programming for seniors, youth groups, and sports clubs, but it will also build community pride and become a place for friends and families to connect for year to come.”
Premier McNeil said incorporating physical activity into our daily lives is essential to both our physical and mental health.
“This new facility at the Sack-a-wa Canoe Club will promote active living and enhance the quality of life for residents of Lower Sackville and surrounding communities,” he said.
Sack-A-Wa Commodores Angela Clark and Shane Feriancek said the canoe club has existed for 40 years in its original steel structure. It is easy to miss as you drive by.
“For the past 20 years there has been a drive and an initiative to build a more permanent home,” the two said. “With the support of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments, we are now in a position realize our dream.”
