Nova Scotia Historic Village Digs into its Acadian Roots
News Release
Government of Canada support for Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse enhances visitor experience, improves accessibility
June 27, 2017 – Lower West Pubnico, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
A healthy tourism industry is vital to building a strong, sustainable Nova Scotia economy. In Southwestern Nova Scotia, Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle- Écosse (VHANE), interprets the rich history and traditions of Acadian culture dating back hundreds of years. During the three-month summer season, the museum attracts more than 17,000 visitors to learn about the community’s heritage, language and way of life.
The Government of Canada is helping VHANE to further enhance visitor accessibility and strengthen its interactive tourism offerings with support of just under $45,000. The funding 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 the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
A $29,006 contribution, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, enabled VHANE to improve its parking lot and install automatic door openers at the welcome centre, making visiting the site easier for people with limited mobility. VHANE also invested $29,007 in the project.
A $15,960 contribution, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, enabled the construction of a period root cellar to demonstrate how food was preserved in the early 1900s, before widespread use of electricity in homes, providing residents and visitors with an authentic, experiential tourism experience.
The Government of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, also provided $10,000 in support of the root cellar and $5,000 for a well. VHANE contributed $5,000, including $1,000 from two local residents through their volunteer efforts.
This summer, 23 people are employed at the village, where heritage buildings, animators in period costumes and the use of artifacts typical to historic l’Acadie provide insight into the life of a Francophone community more than a century ago.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes that each region of our country has unique strengths. Attractions like Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse help visitors from other parts of the province, throughout Canada and abroad better understand the province’s Francophone heritage and encourage tourists to extend their stay in Nova Scotia.”
− The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“As we celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation, we are honouring our roots by investing in places like Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse where we can come together and learn about our country’s rich Acadian heritage, reinforcing what it means to be a Canadian.”
− Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
“The Government of Nova Scotia is pleased to support le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse and the preservation of the Acadian and francophone culture in our province. Initiatives such as these are crucial for allowing Acadians to connect with their roots, and in enabling all Nova Scotians to discover more about the history of one of our founding peoples.”
− Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage
“I’m very happy to see our Village continuing to flourish while providing visitors with high quality tourism and educational experiences.”
− Rita d’Entremont, Chair of the VHANE Board of Directors
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
Roger D’Entremont
Executive Director
Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Phone : 902-762-2530 / (902) 749-6675 (cell)
E-mail : roger@ns.aliantzinc.ca
Lisa Jarrett
Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
Phone: 902-717-4199 (cell)
E-mail: Lisa.Jarrett@novascotia.ca