20 March 2011
AMHERST, Nova Scotia
Communities throughout the Bay of Fundy region are building upon the fame of one of the world’s great natural wonders to stimulate local tourism through a comprehensive signage program supported by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia.
“The economy is our government’s top priority,” said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester- Musquodoboit Valley, 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 investment supports communities along the Fundy Coast whose development and growth is supported, in part, by the tourism sector and the promotion of local products and services.”
"The government of Nova Scotia is pleased to invest in this important initiative, which will support the tourism industry and economic growth of communities along the Fundy Coast,” said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. “The Bay of Fundy is a top natural wonder and we encourage all Canadians to show their support and vote, either online or by text."
The investments support the development of a signage program for the Bay of Fundy, which will include way- finding, identification, directional and welcome signage for communities and attractions throughout the area. The program will be managed by the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA). The Bay of Fundy is Canada’s official finalist in the “New Seven Wonders of the World” competition.
“Our communities are focused on establishing the Fundy Shore as a premier tourism destination,” said Rhonda Kelly, Executive Director of CREDA. “This project will support us in achieving this goal by giving the Bay a sense of presence and an indication to visitors of its level of importance.”
In addition to ACOA’s $23,000 investment and Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (NSERDT)’s $29,000 investment, local regional development agencies are contributing $8,850 in cash and in-kind support.
The Government of Canada’s investment is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
People can support the Bay of Fundy bid with a text message from a mobile phone. Simply text the word FUNDY to 77077. Text voting is available across Canada and each text vote costs $0.25. People can also vote online at votemyfundy.com.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
MP Scott Armstrong and Nova Scotia Economic Development Minister Percy Paris today announced a federal investment of $23,000 and a provincial investment of $29,000 to support the development of a comprehensive signage program for communities throughout the Bay of Fundy. The program will stimulate local tourism through the promotion of local products and services along the Fundy Coast, said MP Armstrong, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield.
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Christopher Brooks
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790/902-789-5184 (cell)
Email: Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Bailey Williams
Communications Officer
Economic & Rural Development & Tourism
902-424-5836/ 902-237-9986 (cell)
E-mail: williaba@gov.ns.ca
