January 19, 2005 Belliveau Cove, Nova Scotia Building on the momentum of the 2004 Congrès Mondial Acadien, the Village of Belliveau Cove is continuing to expand its cultural offerings. As the site of the first gathering place for Acadians along Saint Mary's Bay following the deportation of 1755, Belliveau Cove is becoming an important stopping point for members of the Acadian diaspora. In support of community priorities, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is investing in the village's tourism and heritage. The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, MP for West Nova and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA. ACOA's investment will go towards the development of a memorial, a gazebo to be used for summer events, the installation of a fence surrounding the parking lot and other infrastructure. "This investment is a continuation of previous support to the Village of Belliveau Cove, which we are pleased to make. The resulting infrastructure not only underlines the importance of Nova Scotia's Acadian heritage, but allows for increased tourism and activity within the community," said Mr. Thibault. ACOA is supporting the work of the Belliveau Cove Development Commission (BCDC), whose mission it is to promote the unique historical, cultural and natural elements of the Belliveau Cove village. "We're very excited about the continuing work on the infrastructure of Belliveau Cove. These developments will be enjoyed by the residents of Clare and increase economic activity during the tourist season," said Warden Jean Melanson of the Municipality of the District of Clare. "Belliveau Cove is an important and growing component of the tourism infrastructure in Clare that offers attractions and activities to both the ecotourist and cultural tourist. With the support we've received both from ACOA and the Municipality of Clare, we can continue our work towards its expansion," said Dominique Hanna, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Belliveau Cove Development Commission. ACOA is investing $35, 640 for the developments in Belliveau Cove through the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF), with an additional $4,760 coming from the BCDC and $4,000 from the Municipality of the District of Clare. SCIF, launched in 2000, is providing $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada to create an environment that encourages and enhances the development of strategic sectors and the adoption of new technology and innovative practices. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge-based economy. The Fund is administered by ACOA. FOR BROADCAST USE: ACOA is investing over $35,000 in the infrastructure of Belliveau Cove village. The village is the site of the first gathering place for Acadians along Saint Mary's Bay, following the deportation of 1755. ACOA's investment is going towards the building of a memorial, a gazebo, a fence around the parking lot and other construction to promote the area to tourists and allow for increased activity within the community. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Alex Smith Director, Communications ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 426-9417 Dominique Hanna Chairman of the Board of Directors Belliveau Cove Development Commission (902) 245-7224 Jean Melanson Warden Municipality of the District of Clare (902) 769-2031
