MARGAREE CENTRE (NS) – April 9, 2009 – Margaree Centre will soon benefit from a new equestrian facility thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Municipality of the County of Inverness.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and the Honourable Premier Rodney MacDonald, MLA for Inverness, announced $360,000 in funding today to enable the River Valley Equestrian Club to construct an indoor equestrian facility in Margaree Centre.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to work with communities to help them build on their strengths” said Minister Ashfield. “This not-for-profit facility will enable the Club to host various equestrian competitions and attract visitors to the area. In addition, it will provide a much needed venue for various other community-centred activities.”
“I'm very pleased the province is in a position to make this investment in active living for the community,” said Premier Rodney MacDonald. “This facility will be invaluable to residents as well as riding enthusiasts, and will help showcase the beautiful Margaree Valley.”
The approximately 3,200 sq. ft. facility will include a show area, stalls, washrooms, an office, and a viewing area. The River Valley Equestrian Club, a not-for-profit society, will own and operate the facility. The club already hosts a number of yearly clinics, rallies and summer camps. The construction of the indoor facility will make these events less reliant on weather conditions and enable the Club to host competitions. In addition, the facility will be promoted as part of an equestrian vacation destination, taking advantage of the abundance of tourism infrastructure in the area including accommodations, trails and cultural amenities.
The total cost of the project is $456,570. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is providing an investment of $300,000, while the Department of Health Promotion and Protection is providing $60,000. The Municipality of the County of Inverness is contributing $5,000 to the project.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
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INFORMATION:
Mary Ann Cranton
River Valley Equestrian Club
902-248-2726
D.A Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617