June 15, 2005 Barrington - Lockeport, Nova Scotia Collaboration is the most valuable currency a community can have¿that was the message underlying the announcement today of funding support for an economic development complex in Barrington and a farmers' market in Lockeport. The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced a total of $371,162 for the two projects on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. A new Community Economic Development (CED) Centre in Barrington will occupy 5,500 square feet housing several economic development and community service organizations, including the South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA), the community library, Yarmouth and Shelburne County Youth Services Centre; and a satellite office of the Shelburne Community Business Development Corporation. The project is receiving $247,650 from ACOA, and $373,350 from the Municipality of the District of Barrington. In the Town of Lockeport, a farmers' market and festival facility will be constructed in the centre of town. The project will receive $123,512 from ACOA, and $15,000 from the Town of Lockeport. "Whether it is bringing together economic development resources in Barrington, or tourism and talent in Lockeport, these projects encourage working together in acknowledgement that a community's most valuable asset is the currency of collaboration," said Minister Regan. "The establishment of the CED Centre in Barrington is a critical step in strengthening partnerships between development organizations, small business lenders and the community, eliminating duplication and providing one-stop access to programs and services," said Barrington Warden Sterling Belliveau. "Lockeport is very pleased to have this new farmers' market become the focal point of a new Village Square concept in the centre of town," said Lockeport Mayor Darian Huskilson. FOR BROADCAST USE: Collaboration is the most valuable currency a community can have¿that was the message underlying the announcement today of funding support for an economic development complex in Barrington and a farmers' market in Lockeport. The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced a total of $371,162 for the two projects on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. A new Community Economic Development Centre in Barrington will house several economic development and community service organizations, including the South West Shore Development Authority, the community library, and the Yarmouth and Shelburne County Youth Services Centre. In the Town of Lockeport a farmers' market and festival facility will be constructed in the centre of town to promote a "Village Square" concept. - 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 David Harrigan Media Relations Officer ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 426-4238 Warden Sterling Belliveau Municipality of the District of Barrington (902)637-2015 Mayor Darian Huskilson Town of Lockeport (902)656-2216
