North Preston to develop an Afrocentric community hub to promote learning, connection and creativity

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

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

October 13, 2022 · North Preston, 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.

Today, Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, announced an investment of $121,443 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for North Preston's Future (NPF) Community Organization Society. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow the society to repurpose an existing building into an Afrocentric hub for local youth and the community. Upgrades will include adding signs and a historical monument carved and painted by a local artist. NPF has already updated the town’s welcome signage with a bright new design as part of the project.

Partnering with the Black Business Initiative (BBI), the organization will develop and deliver programming on topics like leadership, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The building will also house an information booth for visitors and a creative space where community members can learn, teach, meet and make art. The society will work to build representation and knowledge, encouraging youth to connect with elders and learn about Afrocentric forms of art and heritage.

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 is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared spaces like this new community hub in North Preston helps revitalize local economies, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”

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

“North Preston’s Future strengthens the entire community by empowering its youth. It provides inclusive and enriching opportunities for leadership, recreation, creativity, and so much more. It is a privilege to support the NPF establishment of a community gathering place where this organization can continue building an excellent future for North Preston.”

- Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook 

Quick facts

  • North Preston's Future Community Organization Society was established in 2015 to increase economic and social opportunities and community resources in North Preston.

  • The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:

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

  • Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.

  • Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the Tourism Relief Fund.

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

Miranda Cain
Executive Director
North Preston's Future
902-809-4164
MirandaCain@gmail.com

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