Producing an Incredible Culinary Experience
News Release
Government of Canada invests in infrastructure upgrades to the Wolfville Farmers’ Market
August 23, 2017 – Wolfville, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Modern and up-to-date community infrastructure helps connect people to jobs and provides access to better community services, attracts new business and creates economic growth. Today, the Government of Canada is investing nearly $84,000 in the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, which will help improve food safety and increase the building’s energy efficiency, making its operation more sustainable for years to come.
The funding was announced by the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Upgrades to the facility will maximize energy efficiency and keep the building cool. The addition of a metal roof with solar panels and a new master control system will better regulate electricity usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The federal funding is being allocated through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities to develop competitive industry sectors; strengthen infrastructure; enhance environmental performance; overcome economic challenges; and build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.
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 support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“On July 11, the Government of Canada announced a federal-provincial investment of $24.5 million for a new approach to tourism in the region, as part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This project builds on that investment to enhance culinary tourism in Nova Scotia and further Canada’s reputation as a top tourism destination.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Wolfville is already quite familiar with the culinary tourism sector. The Devour! Food Film Festival’s attendance alone has nearly doubled every year since it started. Additionally, the Saturday morning market brings together more than a thousand people every week. These facts are an incredible testament to the quality of the products being sold and to our “appetite” for buying locally produced food. Through our government’s new Tourism Vision, we have a clear plan to build on these successes and show the world our exceptional culture.”
-The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“Local farmers’ markets support our farmers, promote buying healthy local products, and strengthen communities all across this province. Investments that support the energy efficiency and sustainability of the Wolfville Farmers’ Market are investments in our agricultural sector and the community of Wolfville.”
- Keith Colwell, Minister of Agriculture, Province of Nova Scotia
"The Town of Wolfville is excited with this funding announcement and pleased to partner in this touchstone community enhancement. The Wolfville Farmers Market brings the local and surrounding community together in a sense of neighbourliness many of us appear to be seeking and some of us have been fortunate enough to have found."
- Jeff Cantwell, Mayor, Town of Wolfville
“Back in 2014, through Bullfrog's community renewable projects program, we first became involved with Wolfville Farmers' Market's vision of a greener building with energy efficiency upgrades and a new solar installation. With today's funding announcement, we're proud to see that vision get one step closer to being realized. We congratulate Wolfville Farmers' Market on this milestone on behalf of the thousands of bullfrog powered homes and businesses across Canada who have helped to support this project and more than 130 community-based projects like it across the country.”
- Ron Seftel, CEO, Bullfrog Power
"We are grateful to be entrusted with support that helps us efficiently maximize use of this vital community space. We are not just growing healthy local and sustainable products, we are also growing farmers, a culinary industry, community and the local economy. We need infrastructure in place to do this will as we work to cultivate our cooperative and incubate our small business operators."
- Kelly Marie Redcliffe, Manager, Wolfville Farmers Market
Quick Facts
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Started in 1992 with three vendors in a parking lot, the Wolfville Farmers’ Market is now a 9,000 square foot year-round market on Saturdays with over 60 farmers, chefs and artisan vendors.
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A Wednesday community market runs from May until Christmas every year and features a market supper, live music and many community celebrations.
Associated Links
Contacts
DA Landry
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-564-3617 / 902-578-3813 (cell)
E-mail: da.landry@canada.ca
Kelly Marie Redcliffe
Manager
Wolfville Farmers' Market
Phone: 902-697-3344
Email: manager@wolfvillefarmersmarket.ca