Community to Benefit from Collaboration Space and New Technology
News Release
Government of Canada supports modernization of former Annapolis Royal Regional Academy
October 10, 2017 – Annapolis Royal, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Residents, businesses and organizations of Annapolis Royal will soon benefit from a new library, collaborative meeting space, as well as new technologies and programming to support applied learning and problem solving thanks in part to a strategic investment by the Government of Canada. This type of modern and up-to-date community infrastructure helps connect people to jobs, provides access to better community services, helps attract new business and investment to the area, and creates economic growth.
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) announced a non-repayable investment of more than $255,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, a federal program that strengthens communities by enabling sustainable economic growth.
The project involves upgrading the west wing of the former Annapolis Royal Academy into a multi-purpose community space that will house the Annapolis Royal Library, an auditorium, a gymnasium, and an open workspace.
Today’s 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 the region’s economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
The project is also supported by contributions from the provincial and municipal governments: $30,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and $40,000 from the Municipality of the County of Annapolis. An investment of $230,822 from the Town of Annapolis Royal and donations totalling $115,290 from the Friends of the Annapolis Royal Library complete the financing for this $671,512 renovation.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in community infrastructure is necessary 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. This is yet another step forward for a community that already has much to offer.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This strategic investment helps ensure the future of a cultural asset that will benefit the entire community and improve quality of life. I am pleased that the Town of Annapolis Royal has found a modern use for this historically important building, which will result in a diverse range of business and community resources that will boost creative thinking, partnerships and facilitate continued growth.”
− Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
“The former Annapolis Royal Regional Academy has a special place in the hearts of so many who grew up in the town and surrounding community. I’d like to congratulate the town and local residents for their vision on this project and thank the Government of Canada and the municipality for their partnership. This is yet another example of how we can support communities to keep them active, strong, and vibrant.”
- Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia
“This is what can happen when people come together around a common cause. Strong community support, and participation from all levels of government are making this creative idea a reality.”
- Timothy Habinski, Warden for the Municipality of the County of Annapolis
“There’s a lot of love in this community for The Academy, which is why we’ve not only saved the building, but turned it into a revenue generating multi-purpose facility that will support business and cultural development in the town. It’s another proud day for the Town of Annapolis Royal.”
- Bill MacDonald, Mayor of the Town of Annapolis Royal
Quick Facts
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- The Annapolis Royal Regional Academy closed in 2015 after operating as a school since 1885.
- The Town sold the historically important building to Jacob Tanner Developments Inc. to be repurposed into condominiums, while retaining one-third of the building for community use.
- This project completes the building’s transformation into a revenue-generating multi-purpose facility.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Gregory Barr
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Annapolis Royal
Phone: 902-532-3146 (office)
E-mail: cao@annapolisroyal.com