Community Projects to Paint a New Picture in Colchester

Amherst, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, today announced funding totaling $142,000 for two community projects in Amherst and Parrsboro. Today’s announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

A $90,000 contribution is being provided to the Lions Club of Amherst through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) for enhancements to the Amherst Lions Park, which is located on the former West Highlands School property. This funding will enable the Club to add tennis courts, walking paths, playground equipment, and water and sewer services to the site, as well as landscaping to create a green space for public enjoyment. These enhancements will make the location more attractive as an events venue, promote active healthy living through recreation, and enhance the West Highlands area to be a more attractive place to live. The Town of Amherst is contributing $120,000 through its 2016-17 budget, and an additional $60, 000 in, in-kind services. The Lions Club of Amherst is providing $43,000.

Additionally, a $52,000 non-repayable contribution is being provided through the Business Development Program (BDP) to the Parrsboro Creative Arts Association. With this support, the Parrsboro Creative Arts Association will be able to create a strategic business plan to grow the sustainable creative economy in Parrsboro. This funding will also enable Parrsboro Creative to undertake marketing activities and enhancements to its existing website. These initiatives will help to bring new art students, teachers, buyers and tourists to the region and create new economic opportunities for the area. The Municipality of the County of Cumberland is also contributing $5,000, the former Town of Parrsboro is providing $4,500, and the Parrsboro Creative Arts Association is investing $8,500 to the project.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to help expand recreational and cultural opportunities for Canadians across the country. Today’s investment builds on our commitment to drive our economy, and strengthen our communities and our middle class.”

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

“The Government of Canada’s support will improve public recreational infrastructure at the Lions Club Park and assist Parrsboro Creative, an organization whose work is a harbinger for cultural tourism in the region. These investments will draw new visitors to the area and create meaningful benefits for people within our community. Projects such as these show that the government has both the capacity and the willingness to make the future better for our children and our grandchildren.”

     - Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester

“Lions Park on Hickman Street is a project to insure the health and enjoyment of the outdoors for the seniors, families, youth and children in our town. It is the Lions and town working together for the citizens of Amherst. We all hope this park will continue to be a safe, healthy place for all for years to come. Yours in Lionism.”

     - Rubin Millard, Lions Park Committee Chair, The Lions Club of Amherst

“In the Arts, timing is everything. Parrsboro Creative has been nourished from inception by vision, passion and by flying by the seat of our pants. Our success in developing Parrsboro as a community recognized for its innovative development of a cultural economy has opened many doors. Our programs will attract artists to re-locate here and further build an economy based on reversing the exit pattern of the population trend and increasing dollars put into circulation due to art sales and the resulting increase in general tourism. Now we are at a point with so much at stake and so many new and wonderful options, that the development of a strategic business and marketing plan is essential. I look forward to working with both ACOA and our team of consultants to build Parrsboro Creative into a strong and effective business for now and the future. “

     - Michael Fuller, Chair, Board of Directors, Parrsboro Creative Arts Association

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Lions Club of Amherst Website
• Lions Club of Amherst Facebook Page
• Parrsboro Creative Website
• Parrsboro Creative Facebook Page

Contacts

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

Rubin Millard
Lions Park Committee Chair
The Lions Club of Amherst
Phone: 902-447-2862 / 902-669-2862 (cell)
E-mail: debra_millard@yahoo.com

Rob More
Executive Director
Parrsboro Creative Arts Association
Phone: 519-383-4320 (cell)
E-mail: ed@parrsborocreative.com

Background

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 of Canada’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.