Transforming Sherbrooke into a tourism gateway
News release
Helping the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s improve visitor experience
January 14, 2019 – Sherbrooke, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Community infrastructure creates welcoming spaces for visitors to the Atlantic region as it boosts economic growth and leads to an enhanced quality of life for residents. The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s will create a tourism gateway by improving public spaces in Sherbrooke to support this developing sector.
The community is benefitting from a growing number of visitors to the region thanks to the Sherbrooke Village Museum and the Wild Islands Tourism Advancement Partnership (WITAP). The tourism gateway project will help transform Sherbrooke into a more welcoming space with a modernized land-use plan and a fresh streetscape, which will encourage visitors to explore the village and surrounding areas further. Entrepreneurs and local businesses will also benefit from increased tourism traffic in the area.
Today, Sean Fraser, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Central 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 support for the project.
ACOA, through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), is providing a $20,000 non-repayable contribution to the project. The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $25,000 through the Department of Municipal Affairs.
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 supports strategic investments in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“Tourism is a major source of economic prosperity in Atlantic Canada and across the country. Millions of people visit Canada each year for its stunning views from coast to coast to coast. The tourism industry has the potential for further economic growth, to create more jobs and new businesses. The Government of Canada proudly supports local communities that are key partners in this industry.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Atlantic region is filled with picturesque communities that offer an unforgettable experience to all those who visit. Investments that build vibrant communities will improve the quality of life for those who live here in the District of St. Mary’s, and will create opportunities for local tourism operators and small businesses who contribute to growth in the local economy.”
- Sean Fraser, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“We are pleased to provide $25,000 to the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s through the province’s Beautification and Streetscaping Program. This program is designed to support the development of inviting areas where residents and visitors want to spend time. Key investments like this can rejuvenate areas, foster local pride, encourage economic development and enhance the character of municipalities.”
- The Honourable Lloyd Hines, NS Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and MLA for Guysborough-Eastern Shore-Tracadie, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLA for Hants West
“The people of St. Mary’s take great pride in welcoming visitors from all over the world. With the funding support from ACOA, we are that much closer to our goal of creating a Main Street experience that serves as a hub for visitors – a gateway into the St. Mary’s tourism experience. An updated approach to streetscaping along the Sherbrooke Main Street stretch will enhance our position as a desirable tourism destination.”
- Michael Mosher, Warden, District of the Municipality of St. Mary’s
Quick facts
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In 2017, tourism in Nova Scotia was an estimated $2.7 billion industry.
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The Sherbrooke Village Museum is Nova Scotia’s largest living history museum and draws an average of 36,000 visitors each year.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839 (cell)/ 902-426-9417\
chris.brooks@canada.ca
Krista Higdon
Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs
902-722-1461
krista.higdon@novascotia.ca
Kelly Greenland
Economic Development & Planning Officer
Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s
902-522-2607
kelly.greenland@saint-marys.ca
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