Renovations at Fisherman’s Cove to Boost Tourism 

News release

Local economy to benefit from a new dock and boardwalk that will create additional tourism experiences

August 29, 2019 – Eastern Passage, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Investing in community infrastructure is essential to create jobs, increase tourism and contribute to quality of life in rural areas across Nova Scotia. To this end, the Fisherman’s Cove Development Association is working to build a dock that will be open to the public in order to attract new visitors to the historical fishing village. Thanks to a commitment from the Government of Canada, the community is proceeding with plans that will boost tourism in the area and grow the local economy.

The project will include the construction of a dock and boardwalk where seafaring visitors will be able to safely moor their boats and explore Fisherman’s Cove. The new infrastructure will also open up new opportunities for tourists to explore many destinations on the Eastern shore through a variety of marine-based tour experiences, including water taxis.

Today, Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, 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 the Government of Canada’s commitment to support this project.

This project will build 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 by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs. This approach is in line with the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which will grow and diversify the sector by enhancing and developing unique experiences that attract tourists year-round to all regions of Canada. 

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is marketing Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination of choice. Investing in plans for key infrastructure projects that will make the area more attractive to visitors helps grow the tourism sector, the local economy and contributes to the vitality of communities.”

     - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Fisherman’s Cove is an important tourism asset in Eastern Passage. The construction of this new dock will drive increased traffic to the area and provide new spin-off tourism attractions such as water tours and other activities in Eastern Passage and along the Eastern Shore. The Government of Canada is pleased to commit to funding this project, which will leverage our existing strengths and help the local economy.”

     - Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep         Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The province is pleased to support enhancements to Fisherman’s Cove, an authentic fishing community that welcomes recreational boaters, visitors and entrepreneurs. Strengthening the infrastructure will foster growth for local business and grow sustainable eco-tourism opportunities, while preserving important public access to the water’s edge. This project is a great example of building and maintaining great places for Nova Scotians and visitors to experience and enjoy."

     - Kevin Murphy, Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Eastern Shore, on behalf of Minister of Geoff         MacLellan, Minister of Business

“Growing rural economic development on the Eastern Shore is vital to the success of the entire Halifax region. It’s great to see all three levels of government working together to achieve this important goal. By expanding the boardwalk and installing a new dock at Fisherman’s Cove we’re building our capacity as a destination of choice, which is a big win for both residents and tourists.”

     - Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality

“This project will provide a gateway to Fisherman’s Cove and the Eastern Shore for tourism as well as development. At present, there is no dockage for tour operators, water taxis, or pleasure craft from Halifax.  This project will provide that access.”

     - Murray Gordon, Chair, Fisherman’s Cove Development Association


Quick facts

  • Fisherman’s Cove is a restored 200 year-old fishing village. Rich in history, it offers visitors a peek into the past with a variety of modern day activities and events. The boardwalk has shops and eateries where visitors can find food, Maritime crafts, local paintings, unique folk art, and souvenirs.

  • Tourism revenues in Nova Scotia reached an estimated $2.6 billion in 2018.

  • The Government of Canada is committing to support this project with an $850,000 non-repayable contribution through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. The Province of Nova Scotia, through Develop Nova Scotia, is also intending to provide a $500,000 non-repayable contribution toward this project. The Halifax Regional Municipality is also providing a $350,000 non-repayable contribution.

  • The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities.

  • The ICF continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Chris.brooks@canada.ca 

Kelly Rose
Senior Communications Manager
Develop Nova Scotia
902-222-6297
kelly.rose@developns.ca

Erin DiCarlo 
Senior Communications Advisor
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-5940
dicarle@halifax.ca

Murray Gordon
Chair
Fisherman’s Cove Development Association
902-455-0018
murraygordon@bellaliant.net  

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