20 December 2010
Pictou, Nova Scotia
The tourism potential of Pictou, Nova Scotia as well as the visitor-friendly Northumberland Shore will be enhanced as the result of two investments by the Government of Canada. Investmests in the deCoste Entertainment Centre and the Pictou Regional Development Agency will ensure tourism in the region grows.
“Our government is pleased to support both the deCoste Centre and the Pictou Regional Development Agency as they implement projects designed to increase the number of visitors to this part of the province,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our investments will help these two organizations address specific challenges that will enhance their ability to serve tourists to this area and contribute to the welcoming and positive experience that visitors to our part of the province always enjoy.”
The deCoste Entertainment Centre in the Town of Pictou is to receive $28,500 under ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. The funding will be used to improve the Centre’s operations and marketing program. Specific work includes updating and enhancing its website, implementing a theatre management system, and purchasing a new electronic sign as well as computer equipment to print tickets in-house.
Working with several other economic development agencies in the area, the Pictou Regional Development Agency will develop a plan for a tourism way-finding and signage program for Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore. The plan will include tender-ready designs, an implementation budget, and the development of a regional map indicating iconic tourism locations. Federal funding of $24,500 will be provided for the initiative through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
In addition to the federal support, both the deCoste Centre and the Pictou Regional Development Agency projects are being assisted by the Province of Nova Scotia.
“With the support we receive from ACOA, the deCoste Centre will be able to improve its presence in the community with updated equipment and a more efficient system of delivering its product,” said Wayne MacGillivary, Chair of the deCoste Entertainment Centre Society.
“Tourism has become a major economic driver for Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore,” said Murray Hill, Chair of the Pictou Regional Development Agency’s board of directors. “The support we receive from ACOA and our other partners plays an important role in helping to develop the tourism potential of this area – leading to new business revenue, increased visitation, extended stay and occupancy rates.”
Since February 2006, the Government of Canada has invested more than $322 million in 559 Nova Scotia projects.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and MP for Central Nova, today announced federal funding totalling $53,000 to support two projects that will enhance the tourism potential of the Town of Pictou as well as the visitor-friendly Northumberland Shore. The deCoste Entertainment Centre, in Pictou, is receiving $28,500 under ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund to improve the Centre’s operational efficiency and marketing program. In addition, the Pictou Regional Development Agency will use a $24,500 to develop a tourism way-finding and signage program for Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore.
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INFORMATION:
Christopher Brooks
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790/902-789-5184 (cell)
Email : Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Andrea MacDonald
Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of Minister MacKay
902-401-4682
Email : Andrea.MacDonald@forces.gc.ca
