Hubtown Gets a New Hub

News Release

Government of Canada Invests in Truro Civic Square
 
April 27, 2016 - Truro, N.S. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Town of Truro will redevelop nearly one hectare of its downtown core to create a public civic square. The Government of Canada is investing $736,718 in the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Innovative Communities Fund. The contribution was announced today.

A decade ago, the Town developed an urban design strategy to identify opportunities to strengthen the downtown core. A key recommendation was the development of a public civic square.

The Government of Canada’s investment will enable the Town to create a civic square at the current site of the town’s library, which will be removed through the project. A new library in the historic Old Provincial Normal College building will form the perimeter of the square, along with other downtown landmarks including the Truro Farmers' Market, the recently-refurbished Colchester Historeum and the historic Truro Cenotaph. The project also supports the rehabilitation of the site through landscaping, outdoor furnishings, fencing, lighting and pathways.

As well, the project involves the addition of a seasonal ice surface, which will convert the central area of the site into an outdoor arena for winter activities. Furthermore, the project will assist with the creation of welcoming gateways and signage at key entrances to the downtown. 

The square will provide a central greenspace for community activities and special events, attracting residents and visitors to the downtown core, and thereby generating increased traffic for local businesses. The improvements are also designed to encourage the establishment of new businesses in the area.

Quotes:

“Smart, targeted investments in community infrastructure help to drive local economic growth and strengthen the middle class. That’s why we’re pleased to invest in a civic square for the Town of Truro. In addition to making the Town a more active, appealing place for residents, this central outdoor space will attract visitors and investment, helping to generate new economic activity.”

     - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Science, Innovation and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The Government of Canada is pleased to work with the Town of Truro and the Downtown Truro Partnership to create a civic square that will serve as a focal point for the downtown area. This project unifies and leverages Truro’s existing assets—it’s businesses, natural charm and, most importantly—its people. In doing so, this project is creating a stronger, more prosperous Truro.”

     - Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester

“The Town is extremely pleased in being able to partner with the Federal Government and the Downtown Truro Partnership to make our new Civic Square an amazing community space that will further strengthen the core of the Town and provide a rallying point for civic events.  From the very start this project has engaged the community to ensure it was a reflection of what our residents felt the square should be and how it would be used.  When it’s completed this fall, everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy and be proud of a place that embodies the true spirit and pride of Truro.”

     - W.R. (Bill) Mills, Mayor, Town of Truro

Associated Links:

Contacts:

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

Michael Dolter
Chief Administrative Officer 
Town of Truro
902-893-6077 
E-mail: mdolter@truro.ca

Portable Document Format

The following document is available for downloading or viewing:

  • PDF Version, 245 kb

To access the Portable Document Format (PDF) version you must have a PDF reader installed. If you do not already have such a reader, there are numerous PDF readers available for free download or for purchase on the Internet:

Page details

Date modified: