People for an Antigonish Rec Centre

A research project led by Strive Health on behalf of Injury Free Nova Scotia (IFNS) wants to learn what helps guys feel good mentally, whether with friends, at school, in sports or activities, and in everyday life. Your feedback can help improve future programming and supports.

Who can take part?
• Guys aged 12-25, living in Nova Scotia

What will you do?
• Answer a short online survey. Over 400 guys can participate.

• It’s anonymous, and a thank-you incentive is available.

Interested?
Email Joanna at [email protected] to learn more. You choose what you want to share. Taking part is up to you!

What helps guys feel good mentally? We want to hear from you! Click here to take the surveyA research project led by Strive Health on behalf of Injury Free Nova Scotia (IFNS) wants to learn what helps guys feel good mentally, whether with friends, at school, in sports or activities, and in everyday life. Your feedback can help improve...

Town and County Recreation want to hear from you!

Folks with children between the ages 3-14 that attend school in the fringe, please complete this survey either by clicking on the link below or by scanning the QR code on the poster.
Our goal is to learn more about the barriers families experience when it comes to active transportation, such as walking, wheeling, or cycling to and from school. The information gathered will help identify areas where additional support or future initiatives may be needed to make active transportation a more practical option for families.
Note: If you have more than one school-aged child and their journeys to/from school differ, we encourage you to complete an additional survey(s) to reflect their journeys. Thanks!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/r3qvtrk7p1

The Government of Canada just announced that it's banning social media for kids under 16. This is a great first step.

The real step: Take Unplugged Canada NS pledge to delay smartphones until 14.

Interesting. There is a lot we can learn from keeping our finger on the pulse of what is happening within recreation across the province. Recent announcements range from new projects being approved to upsetting closures. Where do we see ourselves in between the good and bad?

We would be curious to know, what communities do you think are thriving, or innovating or falling behind? Where do you see Antigonish in the next 5-10 years?

In a statement released today, Town Council clarified that no final budget decision has been made regarding the future of the outdoor pool. While council previously indicated it was considering closing the facility as part of efforts to balance the budget without raising taxes, officials say the discussion remains ongoing.

Council says it has heard strong concerns from residents and is now inviting proposals, partnerships, and alternative ideas from community groups, organizations, and individuals interested in helping keep the pool open.

Town staff are currently compiling information on the pool's operating costs and expenses. Details on how community members can submit proposals are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Mayor Alec Dove says council is listening to residents and recognizes the importance of the facility to local families.

"We have heard the community's passion for our outdoor pool and we are listening," Dove said. "No final decisions have been made, and we want to give the community every opportunity to work with us on a solution that could keep the pool operational."

Council is expected to continue discussing the issue as part of upcoming budget deliberations.

TOWN OF TRENTON NOTICE
Town Council Announces Intention to Close Outdoor Pool

Town Council wishes to inform residents that it has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to address current fiscal challenges in this year’s budget by removing future funding for the outdoor pool. Council will consider the draft budget in the upcoming weeks, and if passed, the outdoor pool will be closed permanently.

In considering anticipated future costs, Council determined that continuing to operate the outdoor pool would place significant pressure on municipal finances and would ultimately require property tax increases.

“It’s incredibly challenging to operate an aging, seasonal asset like this,” said Mayor Dove. “Weather can impact operations and climate impacts, like the threat of fire season impacting the park opening, are all considerations we must factor in. Even with excellent weather and maximized operational hours, the projected costs of the pool would be over $50,000 for a 10-week facility, which is simply not feasible without a tax rate increase, and Council is not comfortable doing that.”

Council believes it is important to take proactive steps now to help keep taxes affordable for residents, while ensuring the Town can continue delivering essential municipal services in a financially sustainable manner.

“Council recognizes the outdoor pool has served generations of families and appreciates the community connections it has provided over the years. We do not want this to be seen as taking something away from our town, but rather Council making a fiscally-responsible decision in the best interests of our taxpayers. We need to balance delivering recreation services with ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability,” said Dove. “We look forward to hearing from residents on their ideas for alternative uses of the space as we move forward.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to use the fully accessible splash pad located at the park and others in Pictou and Westville, and to enjoy the pool facilities and programming year round at the two Pictou County YMCA Aquatic facilities.

On Friday, May 29, community partners and local government officials gathered at Town Hall to raise the flag in recognition of Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia (May 31–June 6).

This year’s theme, “Disability Justice: Stronger Together, First Voice Leading Change for Collective Action,” highlights the power of lived experience in building a more inclusive future.

Building an accessible community takes all of us - listening, learning, and taking action to make Antigonish more welcoming for everyone.

Congratulations Randy! Our community is so lucky to have you in it. Watching you get recognized today for the Jeffrey Murray Award for Accessible and Inclusive Communities was so touching and a great reminder that everything we do as volunteers has purpose and can lead to positive impact.

If you see Randy around town be sure to give him a high five!