By: Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West
As your MP, I spend a lot of time listening to community members about the projects they envision that will make Halifax West a better place to live. My goal is always to find a way for the federal government to help these ideas come to life. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been proud to share news of $918,000 in federal investments towards community projects that will support the cultural, economic, and social development of our riding.
For the 17,000+ residents who rely on the Fairview Resource Centre to access everything from housing support to parenting programs, I was excited to share some big news: By working together, we have secured $446,000 in funding for renovations that will improve the organization’s capacity and make their space more welcoming. This work includes the addition of a lift that will make their community kitchen and secondfloor programs accessible to more residents. The work will also increase the building’s energy efficiency, ensuring a comfortable environment for all who appreciate this important community fixture.
For over four decades, social enterprise Stone Hearth Bakery has been providing valuable training and opportunities to underrepresented members of our workforce. Through a recent $172,000 investment from ACOA, Stone Hearth has been able to upgrade their baking equipment. This support will help them expand their clientele and support even more employment opportunities for those who need them. Today, Stone Hearth has grown into one of the most advanced bakeries in the city, and I’m proud to say that almost a quarter of a million dollars in investments from our federal government have helped support their success.
For many spectators in Halifax West, the Bella Rose Art Centre is where arts and culture come alive. Each year, the theatre allows countless residents and many others to showcase their talents and identity. I’m thrilled to share that we are investing $300,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund to support upgrades to the centre’s audio and lighting systems. This will improve the quality of the performances held there, while allowing the Bella Rose to maintain affordable rental prices for groups of all sizes. I am grateful for the leadership of the Bella Rose Arts Centre Society on this project and can’t wait for audiences to experience the new gear in action!
I’m always pleased to work in partnership with community organizations in our area. If your group has a project you’re pursuing, I encourage you to contact my office.
