We’koqma’q and Potlotek First Nations are finding ways to help bring people back to public spaces 

News release

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

November 7, 2022 · We’koqma’q, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

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, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, announced total investments of $340,556 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for two projects in Cape Breton. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will help We’koqma’q First Nation install signs to display special event and community information and ads promoting local attractions and businesses. The support will also help Potlotek First Nation create an outdoor recreation area in Saqmaw Park, including a new accessible play structure. In addition to its recreational benefits for families, it will also serve as a shared community space for counselling sessions and Mi’kmaw language courses.

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 public spaces in We’koqma’q First Nation and Potlotek First Nation helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”
-     The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The We’koqma’q First Nation and Potlotek First Nation are working hard to enhance their public spaces to entice people to go outside, explore, connect and be active. We’re excited to be able to support these endeavours and help strengthen both communities so their residents continue to prosper.” 
-     Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso 

“As the Chief and Council, one of our main priorities has been improving communication and visibility. I believe good communication is the cornerstone to effective service delivery and long-term economic growth. Through this fund we will be able to showcase the exceptional programs, services and businesses within the community while making it easier to navigate for visitors. We welcome all to We’koqma’q and are proud to do so.”
-      Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley, We’koqma’q First Nation

"It is nice to have a playground catering to the kids needs from those with disabilities and to all kids in general. It will be a great place for the kids to gather and play."
-     Chief Wilbert Marshall, Potlotek First Nation

Quick facts

  • The We'koqma'q Band Council is the governing body in the community of We'koqma'q. It works to develop professional opportunities for band members and create employment and revenue streams on reserve lands for the community. 

  • Potlotek First Nation’s Band Council is committed to building a supportive and thriving community while preserving Mi’kmaw language, teachings and knowledge for current and future generations.

  • Of the $340,556 announced, $225,000 will go to the We’koqma’q First Nation and $115,556 to the Potlotek First Nation.

  • 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

Storm Gould
Director of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives
We’koqma’q First Nation
stormgould@waycobah.ca
902-756-2337

Tahirih Paul
Economic Development Officer
Potlotek First Nation
Tpaul@potlotek.ca

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