From Past to Present: Nova Scotia’s Highland Village Museum Gets Major Makeover
News Release
Government of Canada supports experiential tourism growth on Cape Breton Island
October 11, 2017 – Iona, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Visitors to Nova Scotia’s popular Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum will be treated to an enriched visitor experience as a result of extensive renovations beginning in the Spring of 2018. Strategic community infrastructure investments help enhance tourism growth and economic development across the province. That is why the Government of Canada is providing a $1.2 million dollar investment over three years to assist the Highland Village Museum Society with this infrastructure project.
The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria, visited the museum today to announce the funding 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 project will include the construction of a new welcome centre, the renovation of the existing visitor/administration building to create a cultural resource centre, as well as the addition of new interpretive and support structures throughout the property.
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 positioning the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“The Atlantic economy has been built on the region's many geographic, linguistic and cultural strengths. Collecting and preserving our heritage offers us an opportunity to connect with our past, celebrate our achievements and build a lasting legacy for future generations. The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society as it honours Cape Breton’s past by presenting it to visitors in an accurate and vibrant way.”
− The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Cape Breton Island is world-renowned for its culture, history and spectacular scenery. Our government is pleased to support the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society in their efforts to build on these strengths and provide visitors to our region with authentic cultural experiences.”
− The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney–Victoria
“The Nova Scotia Highland Village brings to life how the early pioneers first carved out an existence, then thrived on the hills of Cape Breton. Today, the Highland Village is an economic driver that brings visitors from far and wide. Victoria County is pleased to partner with ACOA to support the Highland Village. It is through their continuing efforts that the history of the first Scottish settlers to Cape Breton Island are remembered and honoured.”
− Warden Bruce Morrison, Municipality of the County of Victoria
“The Highland Village’s site development plan will enable us to significantly grow and expand our experiential programs and offerings and provide a richer Gaelic cultural experience for our visitors. We are very pleased that the Government of Canada is investing in our vision and supporting us to grow as a cultural tourism destination.”
− M.A. MacPherson, President, The Nova Scotia Highland Village Society
Quick Facts
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The Nova Scotia Highland Village Society (Society) operates Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum (Highland Village) in Iona, on behalf of the Nova Scotia Museum.
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The Highland Village features a series of 11 interpretive buildings, illustrating the story of Nova Scotia Gaels from the late 18th to early 21st centuries, as well as a number of more contemporary structures that support visitor services, programming and other operational requirements.
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
Rodney Chaisson
Director
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village Museum
Phone: 902-725-2272 / 902-295-8447 (cell)
E-mail: Rodney.chaisson@novascotia.ca