Swallowtail Keepers Society Restores National New Brunswick Tourism Icon
News release
September 21, 2023 · Grand Manan, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Communities flourish when local businesses and organizations have the infrastructure and resources to create memorable experiences for visitors and residents. The Government of Canada is investing to support improvements to a key tourism site in Grand Manan.
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced an investment of $85,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) for the Swallowtail Keepers Society.
The Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) also announced a provincial contribution of $85,000.
The project will support renovations and upgrades to two buildings at this significant Canadian historical site, the Swallowtail Lighthouse and Light Keeper’s building. Both buildings will have siding replaced and a more modern weatherproofing system installed. These improvements will help preserve and protect these key tourism attractions, ensuring they can welcome visitors to the island for years to come.
Quotes
“The Swallowtail Lighthouse is a beloved and iconic emblem of Grand Manan, and a beacon to visitors from around the world. Your government is committed to helping organizations like the Swallowtail Keepers Society preserve these important pieces of our heritage so they can continue to shine a light on all that our region has to offer.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Swallowtail Lighthouse is an iconic New Brunswick landmark that attracts and welcomes visitors to Grand Manan Island. We are pleased to support the restoration of this important tourism infrastructure, and we appreciate the work of the volunteers at the Swallowtail Keepers Society.”
- The Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“We are thrilled with the support received from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick. These contributions have allowed us to move forward with the restoration of these historic buildings and preserve them for generations to come.”
- Bart Myers, President, Swallowtail Keepers Society
Quick facts
-
Swallowtail Keepers Society Inc. (SKS) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Swallowtail light station.
-
The Swallowtail Lighthouse is a Canadian lighthouse located on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy. It is an active navigational aid to the Canadian Coast Guard and a key tourism attraction.
-
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) supports projects that build the economies of communities in Atlantic Canada. Through the ICF, ACOA works with communities to find opportunities for growth.
-
In March, the Public Policy Forum - The Atlantic Canada Momentum Index published a report that confirms that Atlantic Canada’s economy is bustling and the region is poised for exponential growth.
-
The provincial funding is provided through the Regional Development Corporation.
-
Other partners providing funding support include the Village of Grand Manan, $25,000; the John J.T. Clark Family Foundation $25,000, the Canadian Beaverbrook Foundation, $15,000; the Grand Manan Rotary Club $10,000, Picaroons Brewing Company $5,000, as well as donations from numerous community service groups, local companies, citizens, and other foundations.
Associated links
Contacts
Hugo Alvarez
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
Hugo.Alvarez@ised-isde.gc.ca
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
mary-anne.hurley-corbyn@gnb.ca
Bart Myers
President
Swallowtail Keepers Society
bartonjaymyers@gmail.com
Stay connected
Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.