18 March 2009
Trenton, Nova Scotia
Three local communities will be able to plan effectively for the future thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway announced over $81,000 in ACOA funding today to help Trenton, River John and Pictou Landing pursue opportunities in economic development.
"Through these investments three communities will be able to revitalize, providing more economic stability in a rural part of the province," said Minister MacKay. "These projects demonstrate our Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that take full advantage of community resources and create opportunities for local citizens."
The Town of Trenton will be receiving funds to engage a professional engineer to review their main street revitalization proposal and provide engineering contact drawings. This work will give the town the necessary information to proceed with its revival of the downtown – growing existing business, encouraging start-ups, increasing tourism and promoting a positive attitude in its citizens.
The River John Community Action Society will hire a consultant to identify the most viable opportunities for development of the riverfront area within the village of River John. The resulting detailed conceptual plan will be used to increase tourism along the Sunshine Trail.
The Harbour Authority of Pictou Landing will develop a master plan for economic development in the area and to support their financial stability. The finished plan will outline the steps necessary for the Harbour Authority to become financially self-sustaining while at the same time providing opportunities for economic development, tourism promotion and business start-ups.
In addition to ACOA’s $81,698 investment, the Province of Nova Scotia is also contributing $79,817 to these projects through the Department of Economic and rural Development.
"It is vital for communities to identify and act on their economic strengths and opportunities," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Murray Scott. "This investment is part of a community-based strategy building a strong and competitive business climate for the province of Nova Scotia."
ACOA’s investment is being made through the Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments which lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an ACOA investment of $81,698 through the Innovative Communities Fund to support economic planning initiatives for three organizations in Pictou County: the Town of Trenton, the River John Community Action Society and the Harbour Authority of Pictou Landing. The various plans will focus on the revitalization of the communities while promoting tourism and economic sustainability. These investments will fund consultants to develop action plans outlining the steps necessary for the communities to reach their intended goals.
Cindy McInnes Office of the Honourable Peter G. MacKay 902-240-4076
Chris Brooks Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 902-426-4790 E-mail: chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Donna Hooper Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development 902-424-1728 E-mail: hoopermd@gov.ns.ca
