Projects to Benefit Businesses and Community Groups in South-Western Nova Scotia
News Release
Government of Canada Invests in the Municipality of the District of Clare to Create Jobs and Opportunities
February 27, 2017 – Little Brook, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Municipality of the District of Clare will upgrade valuable community infrastructure this year, including a wastewater system and a former schoolhouse, to support the growth of businesses and community groups in the area. The projects will create jobs for local contractors, as well as up to 80 new positions at Riverside Lobster International Inc. that are being made possible through infrastructure improvements.
The Government of Canada is investing $378,500 in the projects through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Innovative Communities Fund. The support was announced today by Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for ACOA.
A $278,500 contribution supports the Municipality as it completes a 750-metre extension of the wastewater system on John Thibodeau Road. Project activities include engineering design, site preparation and infrastructure upgrades. The extension will provide improved services to a major employer in the area, Riverside Lobster, as well as future businesses, enabling them to grow. The upgrades will also help protect Saint Mary’s Bay. Additional support for the project includes $139,250 from the Municipality and $139,250 from Riverside Lobster.
A $100,000 contribution supports the Municipality as it completes upgrades to the former schoolhouse in Comeauville. Project activities include design work, interior and exterior upgrades, an extension to the entrance, signage and landscaping. The near-century-old building currently hosts a cluster of francophone organizations including CIFA radio, Festival acadien de Clare and Société acadienne de Clare. The funding will help complete the conversion of the facility into a modern rental space for cultural organizations, social enterprises and essential services that support Acadian and Indigenous heritage. Additional support for the project includes $100,000 from the Municipality.
Quotes
“Our community infrastructure plays an essential role in bringing us together and helping us grow. Upgrading local assets such as the Municipality of the District of Clare’s wastewater system and former schoolhouse strengthens local businesses and community groups alike. We want to help build a better Canada—one that fosters a thriving middle class. Projects such as these support that effort.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Prior to and throughout Canada’s 150 years, communities within the Municipality of the District of Clare have contributed immensely to the fabric of our country. Our Government is pleased to support socio-economic and cultural infrastructure such as the old Comeauville schoolhouse, as well as public works infrastructure such as the wastewater line extension. Projects like these help our local economy grow and strive by increasing the vitality of our communities and creating meaningful employment opportunities.”
- Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
“The Municipality of the District of Clare is committed to fostering an environment which allows the private and not-for-profit sectors to thrive. These two enabling projects are reflective of this commitment. The proposed sewer extension will grow the Municipality’s core infrastructure and in doing so, create opportunities for business development and job creation. In terms of its cultural infrastructure, the Municipality is pleased to invest in the renovation of the old Comeauville schoolhouse as a means of supporting the hard work and dedication of the community’s many cultural stakeholders and to help position these groups for future growth and prosperity.”
- Ronni, LeBlanc, Warden, Municipality of the District of Clare
Associated Links
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Stéphane Cyr
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of the District of Clare
Phone: 902-837-6107 (cell)
E-mail: cao@munclare.ca