Village of St. Peter’s to create new community hub

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada support to help strengthen community, boost tourism

December 3, 2024 · St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada is at its best when communities have the infrastructure and resources to thrive and prosper. That is why the Government of Canada is investing to help a village in Cape Breton develop a shared building space in the heart of the community.

Providing essential services to residents and visitors

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 a non-repayable contribution of $200,000 to the Village of St. Peter’s to transition an unused building along Main Street into a community hub. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The investment will support renovations to accommodate a library, visitor information centre, and fitness centre. Upgrades include new walls, washroom improvements, mechanical and electrical updates, new lighting, and the addition of a third main-level entrance. The project will help make the village a go-to destination for residents, newcomers and visitors.

This announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help strengthen rural communities, boost local economies and create welcoming public spaces.

Quotes

“Towns like St. Peter’s know how to turn a little into a lot. Their new community hub will give folks a great place to come together to connect and learn—good for locals and good for visitors.”
-  The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Shared spaces in communities are essential. They offer a central location for accessing services and educational opportunities, while also providing a venue for people to gather, connect, and share ideas. We aren’t just renovating a building; we’re creating a place that fosters health, well-being, and enhances the local tourism experience.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso

“Thanks to the support from ACOA, the Village of St. Peter’s is creating a community hub in the core of the Village. The multipurpose facility will balance our natural beauty with our thriving business community, history, heritage, active community living and improved quality of life.”
- Esther McDonnell, Chair of the Village of St. Peter's

Quick facts

  • The Village of St. Peter’s was incorporated in 1940 and is the main service centre for Richmond County. It is built along the St. Peter's Canal and is known as “the Village on the Canal” and/or "Gateway to the Bras d'Or."

  • The new community hub will house a visitor information centre (VIC), the Eastern County Regional Library (ECRL) and Village Fitness, managed by the Village Fitness Centre Cooperative (VFCC).

  • The contractor will start the building improvements in December with a planned completion date of March 2025.

  • The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Associated links

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lori Selig
Acting Communications Director 
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
lori.selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Meghan Hayter
Clerk/Administrator
Village of St. Peter’s
902-535-2155
clerk@villageofstpeters.ca

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