Upgrades to a community centre in Clark’s Harbour will enable the town to attract larger events capitalizing on the area’s unique coastal environment, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
“The economy is our government’s top priority and we recognize that investments in community infrastructure help to build strong and vibrant communities and contribute to economic growth,” said Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, 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 support for this project in Clark’s Harbour will increase the community’s capacity to hold larger festivals and events, conferences and other community functions.”
The project will enable the Town of Clark’s Harbour to upgrade a recently acquired community building so that it can increase its capacity to accommodate events such as the lobster and birding festivals. Cape Sable Island, where the project is located, has been recognized as an “important bird area” by Birdlife International, a major habitat conservation organization.
Renovations to the centre include upgrades to the washrooms, stage area, flooring, electrical systems as well as insulation to make the building more energy efficient. The project is supported by the Discover Shelburne County Tourism Association which is responsible for leading tourism development in the area. It also has the support of the local Royal Canadian Legion branch which uses the facility on an ongoing basis.
The Government of Canada is investing $25,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. In addition to the federal support, the project is receiving $15,000 from the Town of Clark’s Harbour.
“This project will strengthen Clark’s Harbour’s existing infrastructure and enable us to host larger-scale festivals, community events, training sessions, conferences and more,” said Leigh Stoddard, Mayor of the Town of Clark’s Harbour. “A space with the capacity to host large groups will facilitate economic growth and partnership development.”
The project was also identified as a priority by Team Southwest Nova Scotia, a committee of community and government representatives launched in April 2010 that works with local businesses and communities to identify and develop strategic long-term solutions to help the economy of Southwest Nova Scotia.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
South Shore-St. Margaret’s MP Gerald Keddy today announced federal funding of nearly $25,000 to support upgrades to the Clark’s Harbour community centre. The improvements to the facility will enable the town to attract larger events capitalizing on the area’s unique coastal environment. Renovations to the centre include upgrades to the washrooms, stage area, flooring, electrical systems as well as insulation to make the building more energy efficient. The project is being supported by ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
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David Harrigan
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4238/902-221-1435(cell)
Email: David.Harrigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Leigh Stoddart
Mayor, Town of Clark’s Harbour
902-745-2390
Email: leighstoddart@eastlink.ca
