Annapolis Royal getting a boost through Rediscover Main Streets initiative
News release
Government of Canada supports efforts to revitalize main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods
September 20, 2022 · Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada’s main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods are vibrant spaces where people gather to enjoy all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. After more than two years of the pandemic, people are yearning to safely connect and return to the region’s downtown areas. The Government of Canada, through the Rediscover Main Streets initiative, is supporting community-led projects that will bring energy back to these lively and important community hubs.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced an investment of $75,000 through Rediscover Main Streets for the Town of Annapolis Royal.
This support will allow the Town of Annapolis Royal to welcome residents and visitors back to annual events that were suspended due to the pandemic, such as the annual Ghost Town in late October and the Parade of Lights in November. The Town will also host new events to boost tourism in the shoulder season, like a Fall Music Fest the last weekend in September. Trilingual signage will also be installed in French, Mi’kmaw and English, to direct people to all the attractions the downtown core has to offer.
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 Government of Canada is committed to helping small businesses and local communities recover and together work hard to build a strong and resilient economic recovery that works for every Canadian.
Quotes
“Our main streets, downtowns and neighborhoods are at the heart of our vibrant rural and urban communities here in Atlantic Canada. This innovative initiative will help breathe new life in our communities big and small, and encourage residents and visitors to come out and enjoy everything Annapolis Royal has to offer.
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Bringing back downtown festivals and entertainment to Annapolis Royal benefits so many people. Main street shops and services see more business, visitors experience the beauty of the historic town, and locals come together again in the heart of their wonderful community. It is shaping up to be a fun and busy fall in Annapolis Royal this year, and the Government of Canada is pleased to have helped make this happen.”
- Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“This funding has made it possible for the Town to invite our residents and visitors to enjoy our historic town with new activities, music throughout the summer, and provide support for the annual events that everyone has come to love. Our costume interpreters have been a great hit with our visitors, giving directions and providing information on the rich history of our small town.
- Sandi Millett-Campbell, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Annapolis Royal
Quick facts
-
A variety of the Annapolis Royal fall events will take place at the Oqwa’titek Amphitheatre, a picturesque community hub on the St. George Street boardwalk.
-
A portion of this funding supported the Town’s summer initiative to have bilingual, costumed interpreters and entertainers provide historic information, directions, and pose for photos, creating an interactive experience for visitors.
-
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.
-
Since the beginning of the pandemic, ACOA has invested just under half a billion dollars to help businesses and organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting more than 20,000 jobs in communities across the region.
Associated links
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Sandi Millett-Campbell
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Annapolis Royal
902-532-7754 ext. 104
CAO@AnnapolisRoyal.com
Stay connected
Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: