Downtown Dartmouth shines bright, inviting people to rediscover main streets

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for the local economy to thrive

October 24, 2022 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

On Saturday, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced total non-repayable investments of $156,270 for three projects with the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission (DDBC). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The DDBC is receiving $71,270, through the Rediscover Main Streets initiative, to present Light Up Downtown Dartmouth. This projection light show series will take place at Old City Hall and feature the work of local artists. The funding also supported Pull-up on Portland, a street market and performance event promoting Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) vendors and performers which took place in July.

A $45,000 contribution, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), will help the DDBC upgrade holiday décor in Downtown Dartmouth with energy-efficient LED lamppost decorations, illuminated snowflakes and a new tree-topper for the Dartmouth Christmas Tree.

An additional $40,000 through the CCRF will support upgrades to the Alderney Plaza outdoor area. Project activities will include new accessible seating, garden beds, sails to provide shade, public art, solar-powered lights, and access to free public wifi.

Together, these projects will make Downtown Dartmouth more welcoming, accessible and appealing for residents, visitors and ferry-travellers. Enhancing the downtown area will help motivate people to spend more time exploring their community and rediscovering local businesses.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared public spaces like Downtown Dartmouth helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, and gives residents a place to come together.”

-        The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The investments we’ve delivered for these wonderful local projects add to the vibrancy of Downtown Dartmouth all year round! The newly revitalized space at Alderney Plaza is accessible, beautiful, and will provide a great space for folks in our community to gather. As the days get shorter and colder, illuminating our streets with local artwork and bright holiday lights will ensure that residents and visitors feel even more welcome in Downtown Dartmouth.”

-        Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour

“These three exciting projects are three excellent new reasons to come to Downtown Dartmouth this fall and winter. Art events and vibrant main streets help to showcase our special city. Comfortable, convenient public spaces invite people to sit and stay a while. When our main streets shine, local businesses thrive, and our community grows better and brighter.”

-        Tim Rissesco, Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission

Quick facts

  • The Light Up Downtown Dartmouth series launched on September 30, in honour of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Treaty Day on October 1. The first series featured the artwork of Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy, and video mapping projectionist, Lukas Pearse. Syliboy’s work will be featured again from December 17 to 22. Seasonal shows will continue nightly from dusk to 10 pm until January 31.

  • Many of the current holiday decorations in Downtown Dartmouth are over 25 years old and are at the end of their life. The Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission will build on previous murals and light installations to make the area an attractive destination for the holiday season.

  • In January 2020, five students from Dalhousie's Master of Planning program came together to redesign the underused Alderney Plaza. The students created a detailed report taking into consideration accessibility and beautification. In summer 2020, the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission also completed public consultations to determine the best use of the space.

  • 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 Canada Community Revitalization Fund (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. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians. Application intake for the fund is now closed.

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

Tim Rissesco
Chief Executive Officer
Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission
902-466-2997
Tim@DowntownDartmouth.ca

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