Northumberland Shore will benefit from investments to draw people to downtowns and public spaces

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada supports efforts to revitalize communities and help local economies thrive

July 18, 2022 · New Glasgow, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canada’s main streets, downtowns and public spaces are vibrant community assets that promote social interaction, physical activity and enjoyment among residents and visitors alike. They draw people together and into our neighbourhoods, to connect and rediscover all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. Our recovery is closely linked to the vitality of these places and the Government of Canada is supporting projects that strengthen them.

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced total investments of $711,886 for 11 revitalization projects in Pictou and Antigonish counties. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, also took part in the event.

For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder.

The investments were made through the Rediscover Main Streets Initiative (RMSI) and the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

The Rediscover Main Streets initiative helps non-profit organizations team up to create new activities, develop marketing initiatives and promote events, all of which encourage residents and visitors alike to rediscover what the region’s communities have to offer and drive more support for local businesses.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. The Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Our downtowns and public spaces are at the heart of our vibrant rural and urban communities here in Atlantic Canada. These innovative initiatives will help breathe new life in our communities big and small and encourage residents and visitors to come out and enjoy everything the Northumberland Shore has to offer.
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“There is so much to enjoy and be proud of in Pictou and Antigonish counties. Our neighbourhoods are home to beautiful waterfronts, lively events and countless places to connect and stay active. The Government of Canada is investing in spaces like these to keep them safe, accessible and vibrant for residents and visitors alike, stimulating local economies as they move forward and grow.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

Quick facts

  • On March 18, 2022, ACOA launched Rediscover Main Streets a $10 million initiative to support locally-driven measures aimed at encouraging Atlantic Canadians and visitors to rediscover main streets and neighbourhoods across the region. 

  • The Rediscover Main Streets initiative complements other federal, provincial and municipal measures to help businesses and communities build back better. 

  • Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) funding supports two major streams of activity:

    •  adapt community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
    • build or improve community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

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