21 May 2010
ADVOCATE HARBOUR , Nova Scotia
With support from the Government of Canada, engineering experts will soon conduct an important assessment to ensure the wellbeing of the community of Advocate Harbour.
Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley today announced a $146,000 Government of Canada investment toward a comprehensive assessment of the Advocate Harbour seawall. Mr. Armstrong made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway
"Our Government is committed to supporting projects that enhance the capacity of communities' to overcome economic development challenges," said Mr. Armstrong. "Today's investment will support the work necessary to ensure that the community of Advocate Harbour can continue to sustain and develop its economy."
The assessment will be coordinated by the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA), with funds provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Innovative Communities Fund.
In December 2008, a severe storm resulted in significant damage to the natural sea barrier at Advocate Harbour. Community members are concerned that the damage may lead to flooding, which could compromise infrastructure, agriculture and private property.
On behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, CREDA will undertake an engineering assessment of the adequacy of the area's natural sea barrier and underlying soil conditions. The project will involve geotechnical studies to determine future requirements to ensure the stability of the seawall and the protection of the community.
"Addressing the Advocate Harbour sea barrier has been identified as a priority for the Association," said Rhonda Kelly, Executive Director of CREDA. "It is our role to increase communities' ability to overcome challenges and approach goals using local resources and expertise-today's investment will allow us to fulfill this role in the community of Advocate Harbour."
Today's announcement in Advocate Harbour is just one example of how the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of communities across the province within an economic framework. The Government supports those communities' efforts to respond effectively to their unique situations. Since 2006, the Government of Canada, through ACOA has invested nearly $311 million in communities across Nova Scotia.
For more information, please visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
MP Scott Armstrong today announced a $146,000 Government of Canada investment in a comprehensive engineering assessment of the seawall at Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia. In December 2008, a severe storm resulted in significant damage to the Harbour's natural sea barrier. The damage poses a threat of potential flooding, which would compromise community infrastructure and effect local economic development. The government-supported assessment will involve geotechnical studies to determine future requirements to ensure the stability of the seawall. The assessment will be coordinated by the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association with funds provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Innovative Communities Fund.
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Paul Moore
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-3470/902-222-3360 (cell)
Email : Paul.Moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
