Government of Canada invests in year-round tourism offering showcasing Digby County’s unique history

“The tourism sector plays a key role in regional growth. Cultural tourism projects like this celebrate heritage, support community initiatives and stimulate local economies. Diversity makes us strong and that will shine through as we share this story of a pioneering multicultural place with future generations.”
- 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

“Through this initiative, The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society is honouring diverse cultures and preserving history. Long before we were saying the word multiculturalism, this community was living it. Now, the Society is maintaining those roots by engaging Acadian and Mi’kmaq communities to provide an interactive experience, attracting visitors year-round.”
- Chris d’Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Annapolis

"This family-run wood milling settlement was a hub for a wider diverse community to rely on one another and prosper. Over a century later, Nova Scotians strive to emulate Electric City's team approach on a larger scale. Sharing this inspirational story will enhance Weymouth's ability to attract visitors and serve as a source of pride for the area. We are thrilled to honour the rich heritage and diversity of the region."."
- The Honourable David Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, the Province of Nova Scotia

“The Municipality of Digby is proud to support The Electric City / La Nouvelle France Society in their creation of an interactive tourism experience. This project, which highlights the storied past and multicultural spirit of the Weymouth area, is an important step toward celebrating and preserving our local heritage. We are excited to see how this initiative will inspire visitors and deepen their connection to the stories that shape our community. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on our region.”
- Linda Gregory, Warden, Municipality of Digby

“The Electric City is an important part of Digby County’s shared history, and the Municipality of Clare is pleased to support this project as it brings that story to life in a modern and engaging way. Investments like this strengthen year-round tourism across the region, benefiting our communities through cross-visitation and shared cultural experiences."
- Yvon LeBlanc, Warden, Municipality of Clare

"The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society is grateful for ACOA’s support. Combined with the generous funding of the Province of Nova Scotia, the Municipalities of the Districts of Digby and Clare, and the Digby Marketing and Promotions Advisory Committee, we are now able to move vigorously to the design and planning of the exact interactive interpretive elements and displays that will form the basis of this important major new attraction to our area of the province, a celebration of a truly equitable and successful early Canadian multicultural community. This is truly a milestone for Southwest Nova Scotia."
- Hal Theriault, Co-chair, The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society

• La Nouvelle France, known as Electric City, was founded in the 1890s in the Weymouth area of Nova Scotia. It was one of the first places in the province to generate electricity.

• The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society is a non-profit organization established in 2018. Four years later, it acquired a heritage-designated former church in Weymouth where it delivers year-round programming, such as guided tours, educational workshops and performances.

• The funding for The Electric City / La Nouvelle France Society is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program, which helps entrepreneurs launch, modernize and grow their businesses in Atlantic Canada.

• The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, is providing $60,000 to support the development of an interpretive centre. Other contributions include $10,000 from the Municipality of Digby, $5,000 from the Municipality of Clare, $10,000 from the Society and $10,000, from the Digby Marketing and Promotions Advisory Committee.

   

Associated links

• Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society

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

Meredith Hand
Communications Advisor
Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
902-233-9832
meredith.hand@novascotia.ca

Tyler Pulley 
Chief Administrative Officer 
Municipality of Digby 
tpulley@digbymun.ca

Yvon LeBlanc
Warden
Municipality of Clare
902-778-0653
district8@munclare.ca

Hal Theriault
Co-chair
The Electric City/La Nouvelle France Society
902-245-8676
brightonhal@gmail.com

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