Community-based recreation organizations in the Baie Verte-Springdale area have received $46,035 through the Community Recreation Development Grant program, which is designed to help offset the cost of delivering recreation and active living programs to residents in small communities throughout the province.

"The 2010 Community Recreation Development Grant program is providing over $576,000 to more than 180 smaller communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to enable people of all ages to participate in recreational and physical activity," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "This is one part of the Provincial Government's efforts to support municipalities and recreation committees, particularly those in rural areas, which encourage residents to live more active, healthy lifestyles."

Investments in the Baie Verte-Springdale area are as follows:

• Town of Seal Cove (Western Bay) - $5,500;
• Ming's Bight Recreation Committee - $4,510;
• Town of Baie Verte - $4,510;
• Town of Burlington - $4,345;
• Smith's Harbour Recreation Committee - $4,180;
• Town of Woodstock - $4,180;
• Town of Springdale - $4,070;
• Dorset Eskimo Activity Committee (Fleur De Lys) - $3,960;
• Middle Arm Recreation Committee - $3,630;
• Town of Westport - $3,740;
• Pacquet Recreation Committee - $2,255; and,
• Beachside — Beachside Recreation Committee - $1,155.

"It is great that so many municipalities and committees within the region will benefit from this recreation grant program," said Baie Verte-Springdale MHA Kevin Pollard. "Active living is an integral component of a healthy lifestyle, and these funds will assist in providing improved recreation programming for residents."

Community Recreation Development Grants are available to communities of 6,000 or less. Applications are considered based on their alignment with the priorities outlined in the province's recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007). These priorities include providing increased access to programming for all residents; making the best use of community facilities; building community capacities, and promoting the inclusion of traditionally under-represented groups, especially women and girls, seniors, Aboriginal people, and those with disabilities.