A community effort to revitalize the downtown and waterfront areas of the Village of Weymouth has received a major boost, thanks to the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a major job creation initiative contained in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The project is also receiving support from the Province of Nova Scotia through the Community Development Trust Fund.
Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of $700,000 for significant upgrades to the village’s community infrastructure.
“This is an important investment in an area hurt economically by the downturn in the local forestry sector,” said Mr. Kerr. “The Government of Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund will help diversify the local economy through a revitalization of Weymouth’s waterfront area and be a stimulus for the local economy.”
This project represents a multi-phase and comprehensive approach to rebuilding the community and the local economy. There are three main elements to the proposed work including an industrial incubator, Main Street and waterfront infrastructure, as well as training and education through a library. The plan is being combined with a concerted effort to re-brand the village to reflect its position as a service-orientated and innovative destination.
This project will allow the village to hire architects, engineers and other contractors to design and construct new facilities and upgrade existing waterfront and downtown infrastructure.
Nova Scotia's Economic and Rural Development is also investing $700,000 in the project through the Community Development Trust Fund. The Trust, established from a federal grant in 2008, is investing $34.9 million over three years to help Nova Scotia communities and sectors experiencing economic challenges.
``We are proud to invest in this community-led project that has the potential to benefit Weymouth and area for years to come,'' said MLA Pam Birdsall, on behalf of Minister of Economic and Rural Development Percy Paris.
``This project is supporting a sustainable, rural community that allows individuals and families to live and work with pride and confidence."
The Community Adjustment Fund was established to help workers, families and businesses in communities hardest hit by the global recession and will deliver a total of $1 billion over two years to local economies throughout Canada. Atlantic Canada’s share of CAF is worth more than $100 million and is being delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
“Residents of Weymouth are thrilled and grateful for the ongoing support from the Government of Canada, through ACOA, and the Province of Nova Scotia, through Economic and Rural Development, for this important community facility,” said Chairman of the Weymouth Development Corporation, Rod Lefort. “With this new funding, we are moving ahead with significant improvements that improve the quality of life for the people of Weymouth.”
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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The Government of Canada is providing economic stimulus under the Community Adjustment Fund to the Village of Weymouth so the community can redevelop its waterfront and downtown infrastructure. The fund, part of the federal government’s Economic Action Plan, will help create jobs and maintain employment in communities across Canada. The project is also receiving support from the Province of Nova Scotia.
West Nova Member of Parliament Greg Kerr today announced an investment of $700,000 for the new development project. The total CAF funding for Atlantic Canada is $100 million and is being delivered by ACOA. Nova Scotia is also investing $700,000 in the development project through the Community Development Trust Fund. The total Community Development Trust for Nova Scotia is a $34.9 million fund and is being delivered by Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development.
Denise Arsenault
ACOA Nova Scotia Communications
902-426-9304
Donna Hooper
N.S. Economic and Rural Development Communications
902-424-1728
Merrell Moorhead
Weymouth Community Development Coordinator
902-837-2300
