Ottawa to provide nearly $300,000 for new fitness playground near Chemainus

A new playground is coming to a Vancouver Island First Nation’s health facility.

The federal government announced Wednesday that it is providing $270,000 to the Huli’tun Health Society for the construction and installation of a brand new fitness playground at the Huli’tun Health Centre on the Halalt First Nation in Halt near Chemainus.

The nearly $300,000 is coming from the government’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund and will be used to purchase timber, rubber surfacing, and other equipment needed for the playground. The money will also cover installation costs.

The new playground will encourage local youth and adults to participate in physical and social activities, leading to enhanced health and well-being, said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.

“It’s time to invest in the shared public spaces that will safely bring people together and help communities thrive well into the future,” he said.

Halalt First Nation Chief James Thomas, Chief Richard Thomas of the Lyackson First Nation and Huli’tun Health Society’s health director called the funding a positive step forward for their communities.

“We graciously acknowledge the Government of Canada’s significant contribution to supporting improvements in our communities. This project provides a beautiful place for community members to gather and partake in fun and fitness which this new facility will provide. As we move towards the end of the pandemic, the health and wellbeing of our community is paramount and this project will aid in our recovery,” they said in a joint statement.

The Community Revitalization Fund was launched in 2021 and is providing $500 million over a two-year period to regional development agencies throughout Canada so that they can invest in projects that build and improve community infrastructure.

No timeframe was provided on when the new playground will be completed and ready for community use.

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