Investments in Southwest Nova Scotia build regional resilience
News release
Government support will help strengthen airport strategy and expand tourism capacity
December 15, 2025 · Yarmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
In rural Atlantic communities, tourism operators, strategic infrastructure and local businesses form the backbone of the economy, attracting visitors, creating jobs and keeping services and opportunities closer to home. When local organizations grow, the benefits reach far beyond individual projects and contribute to a more vibrant, resilient future for the region.
Today, Chris d’Entremont, the Member of Parliament for Acadie—Annapolis, announced non-repayable contributions totaling $431,137 to three organizations in Yarmouth County. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Th’YARC is receiving $324,200 to create a modern, accessible, and versatile theatre, preserving its cultural significance while enabling diverse programming. Planned upgrades include new seating and flooring, enhanced accessibility, and energy-efficient improvements to ensure comfort, inclusivity, and sustainability for years to come.
The Yarmouth International Airport Corporation is receiving $56,494 to hire expertise to develop a growth plan targeting aerospace, defense, and private industry. This roadmap will provide actionable recommendations to attract investment, create new business streams, and position the airport as a driver of regional prosperity.
The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association is getting $50,443 to help attract cruise ships, train French-speaking tour guides, and hire expertise to develop a five-year strategic plan to boost collaboration and identify new opportunities for tourism growth.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to equip rural communities with the infrastructure and identify opportunities they need to drive growth, attract investment, and enhance long-term economic vitality.
Quotes
“Rural communities are essential to Canada’s prosperity. Investing in targeted economic development means creating jobs, attracting new opportunities, and ensuring families can thrive where they live. When these regions grow, the benefits ripple across the entire country—strengthening our economy, fostering innovation, and building a more inclusive future for all Canadians.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“When we invest locally, we’re not just funding projects, we’re strengthening the fabric of our communities and building a foundation for long-term prosperity. Our government is focused on targeted support to create new opportunities for tourism and business growth, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.”
- Chris d’Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie—Annapolis
“Investing in the aerospace and arts sectors isn’t just about culture and technology - it’s about creating jobs, attracting talent and driving innovation. The investments we make today will help strengthen our economy, spark local entrepreneurship and ensure that growth continues in our region for generations to come.”
- Nick Hilton, MLA, Yarmouth, on behalf of the Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development and the Honourable Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
“Th’YARC has been a vibrant hub for performing arts in Southwest Nova Scotia for five decades, presenting a diverse range of performing and fine arts. Live theatre and visual arts help to cultivate a sense of community. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, Th’YARC continues to inspire audiences year after year.”
- Mitch Bonnar, President, Yarmouth Arts Regional Council
“Yarmouth Airport is well positioned to become an important component of the Atlantic Canada aerospace sector, and by extension, a catalyst for investment and economic activity for Southwest Nova Scotia. With the generous support of ACOA and the Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Growth and Development, we will continue the work of transforming our vision into reality.
- Greg Shay, CEO, Yarmouth International Airport Corporation
“Expedition cruising represents one of the fastest-growing opportunities for rural coastal destinations, this support allows our region to compete at a new level. With ACOA’s investment, we can strengthen our capacity for high-quality shore excursions, train bilingual guides, and elevate the visitor experience for luxury small-ship passengers. Leveraging the Cruise Canada New England Symposium will help us build stronger relationships with cruise lines and position Yarmouth & Acadian Shores as a premier port of call for cruises.”
- Neil MacKenzie, CEO, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association
Quick facts
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The funding announced today for Th’YARC and the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, which supports projects that build the economies of communities throughout Atlantic Canada.
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The funding announced today for the Yarmouth and Acadian Shore Tourism Association is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program, which helps entrepreneurs launch, modernize and grow their businesses in Atlantic Canada.
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The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Cuture, Tourism and Heritage has invested $163,767 to support the upgrades at Th’YARC, and through the Department of Growth and Development contributed $15,000 toward the development of the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation’s growth plan.
Associated links
Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Lori Selig
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Amy Wagg
Nova Scotia Department of Growth and Development
902-456-9206
Amy.Wagg@novascotia.ca
Mitch Bonnar
President
Yarmouth Arts Regional Council
902-742-8150
yarc@bellaliant.com
Greg Shay
CEO
Yarmouth International Airport Corporation
902-740-0558
Gregshay@yarmouthairport.ca
Neil MacKenzie
CEO
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association
902-400-0323
nmackenzie@yasta.ca
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