ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia
As the result of a realignment of Highway 104, consultants will be hired to design a comprehensive strategy to guide public spending along the highway corridor, and to establish a planning framework that leverages private investment in the Antigonish area. The project is being led by the Antigonish Regional Development Authority with support from the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia.
"The economy is our government's top priority and we recognize that investments in Antigonish's infrastructure contribute to our region's economic growth while building a strong and vibrant community," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova. "Our support for this project will enable the Antigonish area to increase traffic flow and therefore visits to Antigonish businesses and attractions."
The objective of the project is to help the area's businesses take advantage of new opportunities the realignment of Highway 104 presents, including the potential uses for the lands around the existing highway corridor. Examples of possible changes could include designated bicycle lanes, a newly constructed business park and new municipal infrastructure such as sidewalks and street lighting.
"We envision a welcoming and attractive gateway to Antigonish that balances the needs of both commercial and residential development," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. "This project is important for ensuring the community's continued prosperity, and is another example of how the province's economic plan, jobsHere, is supporting economic growth across the province."
"This project will improve the ability of local municipalities and businesses to fully integrate the realignment of Highway 104 into current planning," said Gerry Grant, Executive Director of the Antigonish Regional development Authority. "As a result, the local area will benefit from the opportunities the realignment presents."
The Government of Canada is investing $21,000 in this project through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. In addition, the Province of Nova Scotia is also investing $21,000; the Antigonish Regional Development Authority $7,500; and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish $5,250; and the Town of Antigonish $5,250.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Defence Minister Peter MacKay today announced federal funding of $21,000 for the design of future improvements to the roadways in and around the Town of Antigonish as the result of a realignment of Highway 104. The objective of the project is to help the area's businesses take advantage of new opportunities the realignment of Highway presents, including the potential uses for the lands around the existing highway corridor. The project is being supported through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund and by the Province of Nova Scotia, the Antigonish Regional Development Authority, and both the Town and County of Antigonish.
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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
Gerry Grant
Executive Director
Antigonish Regional Development Authority
902-863-3330
ggrant@antigonishrda.ns.ca
