Solid investments in the health and well-being of families

In Nova Scotia there are always two things that arrive with summer: school vacation and road construction.
The last couple of construction seasons have been particularly busy in Nova Scotia due to the two largest road and bridge repair budgets in our province's history. These investments have helped meet our NDP government's commitment to improve roads and maximize federal infrastructure dollars.
They have also helped make life better for families by creating good jobs our economy needs while making the province safer for motorists.
Our community received some good news on this front last week as a tender was called for the Margeson Drive Interchange. This project has been the subject of considerable discussion locally and from the people I have visited with in recent weeks I know it's a project that many want to see completed.
Whenever a new roundabout is introduced to a neighbourhood it is crucial to teach people how to properly enter and leave the circle, but overall I believe this project will improve the traffic situation in Hammonds Plains Upper Sackville.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is now collecting tenders and the Margeson Drive Interchange is expected to be fully operational by December 31, 2010.
Along with road construction, and the end of the school year, for MLAs summer brings with it a bevy of public announcements and grand openings. On June 18 I had the privilege of attending one such event along with Premier Darrell Dexter and Health Minister Maureen MacDonald as Ivany Place, operated by Northwood, opened in Bedford West.
This new long- term care facility has 156 beds, and will allow seniors from Sackville, Bedford and Hammonds Plains to remain close to family and friends.
Summer is also a good time for people to get outdoors and get active, something residents of our community can do more easily thanks to funding from the Department of Health Promotion and Protection. On June 17, the Glen Arbour Rate Payers Association received $20,000 to replace and upgrade their current playground and the Sackville Heights Community Centre received $35,000 to develop a new park.
These are solid investments in the health and well-being of families and will pay dividends for many years to come.
Both of these projects will not be ready for this summer, but that being said, there are many ways you and your family can get outside and get active in our neck of the woods.
I know I am certainly planning to take advantage of the nice weather, and if we happen to cross paths do not hesitate to stop me to discuss any issue you might have on your mind.
You can also contact me by phone at 864-5310 or email at mat.mla@ns.sympatico.ca.