1 May 2009
MIDDLE MUSQUODOBOIT , Nova Scotia
A new facility that will enhance the economic benefits of the Musquodoboit Valley agriculture sector is being built with the help of an investment by the Government of Canada. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced funding of $277,000 toward the construction of an agricultural exhibition facility at the Middle Musquodoboit Exhibition fairgrounds.
"This new facility will serve as a focal point to raise awareness of the importance of the agricultural sector to the Nova Scotia," said Minister MacKay. "This investment is building on the over 125 years of exhibition tradition in Middle Musquodoboit and will provide the community with an enhanced venue to showcase the agricultural talent and history of the area."
The project involves the construction of a 6,000 square foot agricultural exhibition facility. This facility will enhance the current exhibit space now used for local agricultural activities of the Halifax County Exhibition and will increase the ability to market rural agricultural products. New meeting space will offer community-based agricultural leadership programming for organizations such as the 4-H clubs. The new agricultural exhibition facility will also house a visitor reception area, office space and complement the existing exhibition ground infrastructure which includes three barns, two exhibit buildings, and the historic Harrison House.
In addition to ACOA's investment, the Province of Nova Scotia is contributing $75,000 to the project. "This is a wonderful project that will be built right here in the beautiful Musquodoboit Valley," said Brooke Taylor, MLA Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley. "I am so pleased that all the funding partners have come together. I would like to extend my appreciation to the three levels of government along with the Agricultural Society for their collective efforts in bringing this project to life." "The Exhibition has showcased the Musquodoboit Valley and our way of life for the past 125 years," said Councilor Steve Streatch, Eastern Shore- Musquodoboit Valley. "Funding toward the Society's new facility at the exhibition grounds is a tribute to our proud past and a big step toward a bright new future. I look forward to partnering with the federal and provincial levels of government to bring this project to fruition"
The Middle Musquodoboit Agriculture Society is also contributing $75,000 toward this project. "Agriculture is one of the founding industry sectors of rural Nova Scotia," said Ken Streatch, President of the Middle Musquodoboit Agriculture Society. "The enhancement of the existing facility will allow for improved exhibitions, a larger number of community events, and an enrichment of the agricultural history of the area."
The Middle Musquodoboit Agriculture Society has been the host of the Halifax County Exhibition, one of the oldest agricultural exhibitions in Nova Scotia, for over 100 years. The Society strives to improve the agricultural and social life of the community by providing and encouraging activities such as the organization and formation of co- operatives societies, organizing events and competitions, and hosting exhibitions.
ACOA's investment is being made through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
National Defence and Atlantic Gateway Minister Peter MacKay today announced a Government of Canada investment for the construction of a new agricultural exhibition facility at the Middle Musquodoboit Exhibition fairgrounds. The $277,000 investment is being made through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. The 6,000 square foot facility will expand the current exhibit space now used for the Halifax County Exhibition. It will also increase the ability of the region to market rural agricultural products and provide new meeting space for local agricultural leadership programs for organizations such as 4-H clubs.
The new facility will house a visitor reception area and office space. It will also complement the existing exhibition ground infrastructure which includes three barns, two exhibit buildings, and the historic Harrison House.
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INFORMATION:
Kattie Johnson
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-222-4225
E-mail: kattie.johnson@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Sherri Richard EA
Hon. Brooke Taylor
NS Dept of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
902-890-7304
E-mail: richarsr@gov.ns.ca
Councillor Steve Streatch
Eastern Shore - Musquodoboit Valley
(902)384-2109
Email: streats@halifax.ca
Ken Streatch,
President of the Middle Musquodoboit Agriculture Society
(902) 384-8294
E-mail: hfxcoexh@ns.sympatico.ca
