A big investment for a historic paddling hub in Dartmouth.

Banook Canoe Club is getting $332,500 from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund.

The money is for environmental upgrades but is part of their revitalization project called the Paddles Up Capital Campaign.

The funding announced Thursday is for:

– install rooftop solar panels
– upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
– replace five gas-powered safety boat engines with electric battery-powered engines

In a release, President Jim Johnson says they are excited about dramatically decreasing their carbon footprint and improving the health of Lake Banook.

“Thank you to the provincial government and the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund for helping modernize the Banook Canoe Club into a green and energy-efficient facility. Key pieces of this green project are the HVAC system, the solar grid and electric safety boat motors.”

MP Darren Fisher was on hand for the announcement.

The fund was created in 2021 and has been extended to 2028.