A historical paddling club in the Dartmouth area of Halifax will now be able to cross the finish line on a massive project for green and accessible upgrades thanks to a $2.3 million federal investment.

Banook Canoe Club has been undergoing renovations for quite some time to repair and expand the aging building.

Minister Darren Fisher says the investment announced Friday will go toward an accessible lift, entranceways, ramps and washrooms.

In addition to that solar panels will be installed as well as a new HVAC and HVR system, energy-efficient windows, doors and lighting.

Fisher says there “tears of joy”.

“In Dartmouth, people don’t ask if you paddle – they ask where you paddle. For over a century, the non-profit Banook Canoe Club has been a cornerstone of our community, and these renovations will help preserve its historic building for generations to come.”

He says the investment is also about making sure athletes and community members of all abilities can use the space year-round.

Banook has been standing for 125 years.

President and commodore Jim Johnson told our newsroom in the summer the facility was getting closer to sliding into the water, so something had to be done.

In addition to that, they want to be part of the example for other clubs, as they make theirs more sustainable.

He said the club is continuously growing and in the future they want to fix up the basketball court, add a pickleball court and install an elevator.

Renovations have been ongoing since 2022.