MAIN PHOTO: Cheema commodore Nadine Lamontagne says a few words during the announcement at the Waverley facility on June 26. (Healey photo)
WAVERLEY: An announcement of more than $1.1 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments will allow Cheema Aquatic Club to continue “building Canadian youth.”
While that is a saying that Frank Garner, the man whose name is on the Frank Garner Boathouse at the Waverley facility, left on The Laker News’ livestream of the announcement, it’s one that Commodore Nadine Lamontagne echoed. She made the comment in media interviews after the joint announcement by MP Darrell Samson and Deputy Premier Kelly Regan on a sunny June 26. HRM Councillor Cathy Deagle Gammon was also at Cheema for the announcement.
“I’m beyond excited for today’s announcement,” said Lamontagne as she stood on one of the docks that stretches from the shoreline of the facility on Champions Way out into Lake Thomas adjacent to McDonald Sports Park. “It’s a game changer for the youth of our community and the work that we do here.
“We’re thrilled.”
Samson was on hand to announce the feds are investing $600,000 from its Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, while Regan announced the province is contributing $500,00 towards the expansion and retrofit of the facility.
The money will be used to lift the roof on the boathouse, put a second floor creating community space, expand the gym that the athletes use for training, and make Cheema a bigger, better place.
When asked if they’ve outgrown the location, they are currently in, Lamontagne said they actually have.
“There isn’t actually a second floor in the Boathouse, although it looks like there is,” she said “Boat storage space and open programming space are both at a premium here.
“It’s vital that we expand to be able to grow what we’re doing.”
She said if things all go to plan the hope is for the work to start in a couple of months.
“We’re hoping to lift the roof in September,” she said.
Samson said any announcement such as the one for Cheema is great. He said the process for the money began about four years from when the initial discussion took place.
“Any canoe club like Cheema is an anchor in that community, and I know Cheema has been and continues to be for many years to come to be an anchor in that community,” said Samson to CBC N.S. and The Laker News in a media. “They have a lot of history and success, and what we’re doing is helping them modernize their building, helping to create more space and create more opportunities for all to stay healthy.”
The expansion will allow them to increase the numbers and expand to launch a para-paddling programming; and a program targeting urban Indigenous youth; and to continue to be a good neighbour to the community that it calls home.
Lamontagne expanded on the First Nations programming Cheema is looking to provide. Cheema is a word derived from the Mi’kmaw word. It means “to paddle.”
“Our heritage is in the Mi’kmaw culture. Canoeing is in the Mi’kmaw culture. We’re in unceded Mi’kmaw territory,” she said. “We want to be good stewards of that tradition and culture and be part of reconciliation.”
For the para-paddling programming, Cheema will have to buy boats and paddles that are specific for those.
“The building will be fully accessible,” Lamontagne said. “The program requires special boats, special paddles, special considerations for docks.
“This is a great first step for us in realizing that goal.”
Cheema has had eight athletes and two coaches make the Canadian Olympic team, with Michelle Russell the most recent athlete to nab an Olympic spot as she will represent the country in Tokyo this July.
Livestream video of the Cheema funding announcement can be found here – https://fb.watch/6o085SPCCL/
Regan, who lives in Bedford, knows first-hand what Cheema brings to those who take part in their programs, with her daughter Kate having participated for several summers as a teenager.
“She learned how to set goals and work hard through the pain. She would come home dog tired,” said Regan. “The lessons she learned at Cheema she took with her as she went through life.”
Lamontagne recognized the countless volunteers and community members that worked on getting the proposal in to the respectful government agencies for the funding.
She said while Olympians are important, it’s the impact that the club has on building Canadian youth that makes it a success. There are currently more than 400 people between year-round programs and summer programming.
“We’re proud of our Olympic athletes, but we’re equally as proud of our athletes that we’ve helped to foster and grow, become leaders that are doctors, lawyers, plumbers, volunteers in the community,” said Lamontagne.
“We’re extremely proud of everyone that has come through our doors”
Orenda Canoe Club in Lake Echo also received funding from the feds ($160,000) and province ($200,000), while HRM also chipped in some ($20,000). It was announced earlier in the day on June 26.