Federal Support Puts Lunenburg Yacht Club on the Map, Hosting Two Major Sailing Events This Year
News Release
Nine days of regattas will bring international attention and attract more visitors to Lunenburg County, a popular tourist destination
August 15, 2017 - Lunenburg, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Investments in community infrastructure are essential to strengthen the middle class and provide municipalities with the building blocks they need to support a high standard of living for all Canadians and their families. That is why the Government of Canada is investing $155,000 in the Lunenburg Yacht Club to support necessary infrastructure improvements and marketing costs to host two significant sailing events in Lunenburg County. Once completed, these upgrades will also enable the Lunenburg Yacht Club to successfully compete globally to secure future large scale sailing events.
The support was announced today by Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The funding is being provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
Forty-five boats, from several different countries, are expected to participate in the two events. The World Sonar Championship will take place from September 6 to 10, followed by the Women’s National Keelboat Championship from September 13 to 17. These events will draw a large number of visitors to the area, further solidifying Lunenburg’s profile and reputation as an attractive travel destination.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that encourage long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to making targeted investments, improving cultural and community infrastructure, to strengthen the local economy. Supporting the Lunenburg Yacht Club so it can host these two significant sailing events that celebrate Canada’s rich and vibrant history will promote business activity while focusing international attention on the area.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Science, Innovation and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Lunenburg County is well known for its stunning views and natural beauty. Hosting two major sailing events will benefit the local economy as well as bring international recognition to the Lunenburg Yacht Club and the waters of Mahone Bay. This investment supports necessary infrastructure upgrades to ensure the success of these two events and open doors for more large-scale events in the future.”
- Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margarets
“This financial assistance allows our club to complete much needed and critical infrastructure improvements which will bring significant benefits to the local community including our Learn to Sail, Sail Able and rowing programs as well as the Sail All program held by several local schools. In addition, once the project is completed Lunenburg Yacht Club will be able to host national and international regattas attracting world class sailors to the waters of Mahone Bay and generating economic spin offs for the local tourism operators."
- Michael O’Connor, Commodore, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Lunenburg Yacht Club
Quick Facts
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In July 2017, federal ministers, Atlantic premiers and the four Atlantic provincial tourism industry associations announced a total investment of $24.5 million for a new regional tourism approach.
Contacts
D.A. Landry
A/Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-564-3617/ 902-578-3813 (cell)
E-mail: da.landry@canada.ca
Mary Atkins
Past Commodore
Lunenburg Yacht Club
902-521-6159 (cell)
E-mail: mary.atkins@pepsico.com