Cliffs of Fundy Geopark taking steps to attract visitors to this world-class destination
News release
Government of Canada supports creation of enhanced visitor experience honouring unique historical and geological assets of the region
October 31, 2022 · Five Islands, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canadian tourism organizations and operators are working hard to find new approaches to deliver world-class tourism experiences that tell the stories of the region, and what makes it such a special visitor destination. The Government of Canada is supporting the expansion of an enhanced visitor experience at the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark that explores the connections between geology, communities, culture, heritage and nature.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced non-repayable federal contributions totaling $265,000 to the Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark Society. The funding will enable the Society to implement the priority recommendations made by the UNESCO Global Geoparks evaluators to improve the visitor experience and ensure the site upholds the highest standards required to maintain its UNESCO designation. The announcement was also made on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors.
Of the above total, ACOA is providing $212,400 through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), Canadian Heritage is contributing $33,900 through the Commemorate Canada Reopening Fund and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is investing $19,100 through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Province of Nova Scotia is also providing $69,545 through the Tourism Marketing Assistance Program – Regional Marketing Organizations to support marketing initiatives. The Municipality of Colchester County and Municipality of Cumberland County each contribute $75,000 annually to the operation of the Geopark.
This support will help the Society co-ordinate activities that further develop the Geopark brand and establish more community participation with the goal of increasing visitation to this world-class destination. Priorities include marketing, interpretation, branding, digital content development, a fundraising strategy, and enhancements to visitor materials and kiosks. Finally, businesses within range of the geopark will be offered ambassador training, workshops and networking opportunities to ensure they are well-versed in the region’s unique geological and historic assets and can share that knowledge with visitors.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry is vital to the region’s economy, and the UNESCO-recognized Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark is one of Nova Scotia’s undisputed gems. With today’s investment, we are building on the region’s existing assets to increase community unity so local businesses are well-positioned to promote the geopark and contribute to the impact of visitors’ experiences. ACOA is proud to help provide the tools necessary to keep this natural wonder positioned as a must-see in the region.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Bay of Fundy’s dramatic landscapes are remarkable. With help from the Commemorate Canada Reopening Fund, I’m pleased that the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark’s in-person programming and interpretation will continue to play a key role in connecting Canadians and tourists with the unique geology, Indigenous stories and culture in this part of Canada.”
- The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“I am thrilled of the contribution made by the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) here in Nova Scotia for the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark. By supporting this community-based project, we are taking action to ensure that seniors are involved and have a strong presence in their communities.”
– The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors
“The Cliffs of Fundy Geopark includes some of Nova Scotia’s most incredible landscapes and offers travellers unique opportunities to experience the world’s highest tides. We are pleased to support marketing initiatives to draw travellers to this area and benefit local businesses, and it is wonderful to see further support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency that will help this important destination continue to thrive.
- The Honourable Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
“Few initiatives have the potential to change the economic prosperity of a region while respecting and maintaining the things that make it unique, that make it special. The designation of a Global Geopark is just such an initiative. Without the support of ACOA, the municipalities and the Province, and importantly the people who live along the Cliffs of Fundy including the Mi’kmaq who have lived here in Mi’kmawey for millenia, what is now becoming a reality would still be just a dream.”
- Carrie Goodwin, Chair and President, Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark Society
Quick facts
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ACOA supported the Society’s initial application process to become a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2017, which was a multi-year effort, leading to the successful designation in 2020.
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In order to maintain the UNESCO designation, certain obligations must be met by all UNESCO Geoparks, including providing sustainable economic opportunities for business owners, providing education and interpretation, promoting conservation, and exploring and celebrating the region's culture, ideally by tying it to the landscape.
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The Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark has more than 40 impressive geosites within a 165-kilometer drive. At the sites, visitors can learn about Earth's incredible natural history including the highest tides in the world; a magnificent landscape steeped in Mi'kmaw legend and tradition; how supercontinent Pangea was formed and broke apart millions of years ago; Canada’s oldest dinosaur fossils; Acadian lore; and a vibrant arts, food, and musical culture scene.
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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
Laura Scaffidi
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
laura.scaffidi@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Mikaela Etchegary
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Province of Nova Scotia
902-229-5671
mikaela.etchegary@novascotia.ca
John Calder
Interim Executive Director, Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark
Johncalder99@gmail.com
902-266-9412
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