January 18, 2005 Amherst, Nova Scotia Trails and technology are the focus of two recent tourism sector ACOA investments in Cumberland County. Cumberland's natural and cultural resources will be much more accessible to visitors and residents whether they are on the ground or online. At Cape Chignecto the coastal walking trails will be made accessible for family day-use; and specialized computer equipment and software will link nine heritage tourism sites through the Amherst Township Historical Society. The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia, made the announcements today on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Making our tourism product more accessible for families and drawing heritage tourism resources together through technology¿these are the kinds of marketing and knowledge economy initiatives that ACOA's Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) has been able to address throughout Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region," said Minister Regan. ACOA is investing $362,000 for Cape Chignecto through the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association, and $26,000 in information technology through the Amherst Township Historical Society. Additional funding for both projects was provided by the Province of Nova Scotia, the Municipality of Cumberland for Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, and Human Resources Skills Development Canada for the Amherst Township Historical Society. "The Nova Scotia Government, through Tourism, Culture and Heritage, the Office Of Economic Development and the Department of Natural Resources, has been an active partner with the local community to develop Cape Chignecto Park," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Working with park management, the many local volunteers, and all funding partners, we are well on the way to developing a world-class tourism destination with activities for the entire family." SCIF, launched in 2000, is providing $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada 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 Cumberland's natural and cultural resources will be more accessible online and on the ground as a result of two announcements made today by the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Minister responsible for Nova Scotia. At Cape Chignecto, the coastal walking trails will be made accessible for family day-use; and specialized computer equipment and software will link nine heritage tourism sites through the Amherst Township Historical Society. The projects involve a total investment of $388,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. - 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 Corporate Affairs Unit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (902) 426-8306 Tom Peck Director of Communications NS Tourism and Culture (902) 424-1593 Keith Hunter Warden Municipality of the County of Cumberland (work) 902-667-3846 (home) 902-661-4315 Rhonda Kelly Executive Director Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (902) 667-3638 Barb Thompson Manager/ Curator Cumberland County Museum and Archives (902) 667-2561
