News

Media Release: Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court Coming to Yarmouth

Published: May 16, 2024

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Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Yarmouth, N.S. – The Town of Yarmouth, the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and the Municipality of the District of Argyle, today revealed plans to build an inclusive play space in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart).

Uniquely designed to meet the needs of the community, the new Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will include barrier-free access and enhanced visibility, as well as provide room for accessible and standard sports such as basketball, sitting volleyball, pickleball and wheelchair tennis. As an extension of Jumpstart’s national Inclusive Play Program, the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will ensure that kids of all abilities in the Yarmouth community can participate in both organized sport and casual play.

As a cost-sharing agreement with the support of all three municipalities, the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court will be built on the northwest corner of the Mariners Centre property, where Starrs Road meets Jody Shelley Drive. A construction tender will be issued this summer, and a project timeline with more details will soon follow.

"The Municipality of Argyle is proud to invest in our community's recreation infrastructure in partnership with Jumpstart,” said Argyle Warden, Danny Muise. “This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring that all youths and adults have the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities without barriers. By joining together with Jumpstart, we are empowering our residents to stay active, healthy, and engaged in our community.”

“The addition of this court system to the Mariners Centre, complementing the rinks, splash park, and upcoming aquatics facility, is an incredibly exciting announcement for our community!” said Municipality of Yarmouth Warden, John Cunningham. “Having an accessible and inclusive spot for toddlers to seniors of all abilities to participate in sport is important to our Council, and we look forward to welcoming people from the area and beyond to use the new courts!”

"Thank you to Jumpstart for believing in this community and understanding the importance of what this wonderful opportunity will provide our residents,” said Town of Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood. “As we move closer to the groundbreaking for the Mariners Centre expansion, we are beyond fortunate to be able to add this fun, inclusive and accessible space to the grounds. This court will help attract professionals and families, add to the recreation campus/hub of Mariners Centre, and, most importantly, ensure ALL citizens have access to a space that will encourage community involvement and healthy living. I can't wait to see the space filled with active, happy people!"

“We look forward to partnering with these three passionate communities to bring the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court to life,” said Andrea Acheson, Regional Manager, Atlantic, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “At Jumpstart, we know that by working together, we can help build a safe, inclusive and accessible sport and recreation environment for all kids across Canada.”

"The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Sport Court has been a passion of mine for the better part of five years," said Darcy DeSutter, Owner/Dealer of Yarmouth Canadian Tire and Chair of the Mariners Centre Board Capital Fundraising Committee. “I grew up playing sports, and having access to sports facilities and I believe wholeheartedly, they are an important element for our kids, and our community. They benefit both our physical and mental well-being while promoting inclusion. I feel proud and very lucky to be a part of this addition to the community’s infrastructure."

“We are thrilled with this announcement,” said Mariners Centre Board Chair, Linda Gallagher. “Thank you to the three municipal units, Canadian Tire, Jumpstart, and Darcy DeSutter and family for working together to make a wonderful addition to the grounds of the Mariners Centre. As we grow our spaces to become a true community hub, we recognize the importance of having free community opportunities for all. This space will truly reflect the Jumpstart approach of Stronger communities, Stronger Canada.”

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Media Contact:
Mike Carter
Communications Coordinator
Town of Yarmouth
400 Main Street, Yarmouth, N.S., B5A 1G2
Office: (902) 742-2521
Mobile: (902) 746-3167
Fax: (902) 742-6244
Email: comms@townofyarmouth.c

MEDIA RELEASE: Economic Impact Study Reveals Importance of the Port of Yarmouth

Published: May 8, 2024

 

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MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release

Economic Impact Study Reveals Importance of the Port of Yarmouth

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - Yarmouth, N.S. - The Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission recently executed an Economic Impact Study to gain a better understanding of the Port of Yarmouth’s impact and importance to our local and regional economy. The findings showed what we have long known: the port plays a key role in supporting our local economy and creating jobs for locals.

The Port of Yarmouth is one of three divested, independent ports in the Tri-County region, and has been jointly owned by the Town of Yarmouth, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and Municipality of the District of Argyle for the past 13 years. It is a key hub for the fishing industry in Southwest Nove Scotia, home to one of the world’s largest lobster fishing grounds.

Commission Chair, Guy Surette, says the report was an eye opener for the Board. “It seems that we have been taking the importance of this community asset for granted, not truly appreciating the value and contribution that the Port of Yarmouth makes to the area.”

Based on the findings of ASBB Consulting, authors of the Economic Impact Study, the port’s contribution can be conservatively valued at approximately $50,000,000.00 annually to the local area, supporting around 280 jobs and hosting upwards of 40 vessels that call this port “home”.

Furthermore, on average, in the last 5 years the port accounted for approximately 2.1%, or nearly $25 million of Nova Scotia’s fishing GDP. The port lands anywhere between 44 million to 85 million pounds of lobsters per year, as well as other species including herring, scallops, and groundfish.

However, improvements to the Port of Yarmouth are needed. The port infrastructure is aging, and re-investment is required to extend its service life. “The study was considered by the Board to be an important step on the road to seeking out the necessary funding partners from different levels of government with the goal of realizing its re-investment aspirations,” said Surette.

By highlighting the Port’s contributions and importance, the Industrial Commission Board hopes to gain support from funding agencies and to raise the awareness level of this important asset among the local community, who are ultimately the users of this marine facility.

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Media Contacts:

Guy Surette
Chair of the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission
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902-648-7827

Gregory Shay
Acting General Manager of the Port of Yarmouth
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902-742-7159

Marissa Parker
Communications Officer
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902-742-7159

NEWS RELEASE: Veterans Memorial Banner Program

Published: April 24, 2024

The Royal Canadian Legion Wedgeport Branch 155 and West Pubnico Branch 66 have partnered again with the Municipality of Argyle to offer the Veterans Memorial Banner Program.

This Veterans Memorial Banner program will consist of the following.

  • 45 banners are available, 5 for each District in the Municipality.
  • The 45 spots will be chosen through a draw/lottery. Anyone wishing to be entered into the banner draw must submit their request by 4:30pm on May 31, 2024 to the emails below.
    • Districts 1-5 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • District 6-9 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Once the draw is completed, winners will be notified as soon as possible.
  • Your Counsellor name must be included in your email to be entered in the draw.
  • You must email the name of the veteran as well as their service details to be eligible.
  • The cost for each banner $140.00 tax and shipping included.
  • The banners (24” X 48’”, double -sided) will be placed on power poles in five communities, West Pubnico, East Pubnico, Argyle, Tusket and Wedgeport
  • The veteran’s name and service details will be displayed on the banner, along with the sponsor’s name.
  • Banners will be put up on or before October 11th and removed before November 20th.
  • The Legions will store the banners and the Municipality will put them up for 3 years.
  • This program is open to residents of the Municipality of Argyle.

NOTE: Multiple Veterans can be on a banner.

The Veterans Memorial Banner Program is to honours our veterans across Canada on full colour, heavy duty banner material to be displayed in communities around Remembrance Day. Last year Municipality Banner Programs were very successful with over 30 banners in 4 communities.

For more information on the Veterans Memorial Banner Program, including photos and testimonials, visit https://www.memorialbanner.ca/

 

Growing Communities Scholarship Fund

Published: April 11, 2024

The Municipality of the District of Argyle will award two $1,000 scholarships to two students who are residents of the Municipality of Argyle. Children of Municipality of Argyle employees or councillors are not eligible for this scholarship.

The students must be enrolled in a full-time certificate or diploma program at an accredited community college, technical school or college or trade school (university degree programs are not eligible for this scholarship). 

The deadline to apply is May 31st