January 31, 2005 Barrington, Nova Scotia The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is helping to ensure that visitors and residents to Seal Island Light Museum will be able to "see the light" for generations to come. 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 the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The museum in Barrington is a 35-foot replica of the famous Seal Island Light. The museum's crowning glory is an original Fresnel lens and lantern (circa 1902) from the lighthouse. This project will upgrade and renovate the museum to accommodate an increasing number of visitors (currently up to 10,000 per year), and includes expanding the retail space of the craft shop. "This project is a perfect example of how certain key facilities can be so crucial to a community's vibrancy and economic prosperity. Not only does the museum provide employment, but the gift shop is an additional market venue for local artisans and craftspeople," said MP Thibault. "The restoration of this landmark maintains an important and historic connection for this rural coastal community," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage, "At the same time, the renovations allow new employment for the future as well as tourism and other economic benefits for the entire community." The museum had suffered serious water damage and the renovations were required for public safety reasons, and to stop the structural deterioration. "We hire students who are continuing with their education, so as the museum celebrates the past, we are also looking toward the future," said manager Brenda Maxwell. "The Seal Island Light Museum is one of the most frequently-visited attractions in western Shelburne County, and residents have a strong affection toward the museum as a living symbol of our ocean-going community," said Warden Sterling Belliveau of the Municipality of the District of Barrington. ACOA is investing $57,000 towards the renovations of Seal Island Light Museum through the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF), with an additional $36,784 coming from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), $10,000 from the Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development and $5,000 from the Municipality of the District of Barrington. 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: The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is helping to ensure that visitors and residents to Seal Island Light Museum will be able to "see the light" for generations to come. The Honourable Robert G. Thibault today announced an ACOA investment of $57,000 towards the renovations to the museum. - 30 - Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 David Harrigan Media Relations Officer ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 426-4238 Ross McLaren Director of Communications Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development (902) 424-4998 Warden Sterling Belliveau Municipality of the District of Barrington (902) 637-2015 (Municipal office) (902) 723-2228 (residence) Brenda Maxwell Manager Seal Island Light Museum (902) 637-2185 Corporate Affairs Unit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (902) 426-8306
