Building a Strong Foundation for Tourism
News Release
Government of Canada supports historic infrastructure and the tourism industry in a rural community
July 12, 2016 – Parrsboro, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, was at the Ottawa House By-The-Sea Museum today to announce a $19,940 contribution to the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150).
The Parrsborough Shore Historical Society owns and operates the Ottawa House By-The-Sea Museum, which is run as a museum as well as a community space. It would be hard to find a more interesting building in the area, not only is Ottawa House By–The–Sea Museum thought to be one of the oldest buildings in the Parrsboro area, but it was used as a summer residence by Sir Charles Tupper, Father of Confederation and Canadian Prime Minister in 1896. ACOA’s contribution supports the restoration of the west wall of the Museum, as well as the installation of sixteen new windows, a new door and a new electrical system.
It is not just the detailed museum exhibits containing over 400 artifacts that bring visitors and locals through the door. Ottawa House By–The–Sea Museum acts as a community space for workshops and a variety of other activities, such as cultural events and celebrations as well as providing space and artifacts to conduct genealogical research.
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland also contributed $14,190 to the project.
The CIP150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.
Quotes
“Supporting rural tourism industries as well as pivotal spaces for community events are crucial to the health and wellbeing of communities. Part of what makes museums in rural areas so valuable is the community support and involvement, meaning when visitors come through the door they get a sense of the history as well as some local flavor. That is why supporting historic sites, such as this one, are so important for the tourism industry as well as community engagement.
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Ottawa House is more than a museum for visitors to the area, it’s also a community hub for residents to gather and learn. This magnificent property continues to play a prominent role in the community and with the right care and attention it will be for generations to come.
- Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester
“Ottawa house by –the –sea museum, is an important part of Cumberland County’s history. These new renovations, made possible through a partnership with federal departments, will allow Ottawa House By- The - Sea Museum to continue to provide historical experiences to locals and visitors for generations to come.”
- Warden Keith Hunter, Municipality of the County of Cumberland
“This project means a great deal to us, as it will help complete the final stage in the restoration of the Ottawa House. We believe it is the oldest structure on this shore and one of the oldest in the province. Our volunteers have now committed forty years to preserving it for the community and visitors to the area. Once this project is completed, it will be in the best shape in decades.”
- Harriet McCready, Director, Parrsborough Shore Historical Society
Associated Links
Parrsborough Shore Historical Society website
Parrsborough Shore Historical Society Facebook
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Harriet McCready
Director of the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society
Phone: 902-225-3499 (cell) 902-254-2092 (home)
E-mail: harrietmccready@eastlink.ca
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Hon. Navdeep Singh Bains Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Society and Culture History and Archaeology Arts, Music, Literature
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