Business partnership results in new business hub and innovation centre in North Queens
April 15, 2014 Caledonia, Nova Scotia Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The North Queens Fire Association (NQFA) and the North Queens Board of Trade (NQBOT) have partnered to build an emergency response facility, business hub and innovation centre for their community. The new centre will provide the area with much-needed infrastructure and technology to enhance community partnerships and business development opportunities.
The newly constructed 14,592 square foot community space will house a main hall with a stage for community events and activities, office space, and a training room with high-speed internet access and digital projection capabilities.
The business hub and innovation centre will offer learning and mentorship opportunities to support current and aspiring entrepreneurs and their small- and medium-sized businesses. It will also provide a venue to train the community in computer technologies, advancing their skills and knowledge in the use of digital tools.
The Government of Canada is investing $750,000 in the business hub and innovation centre, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, as announced today by Parliamentary Secretary and local Member of Parliament Gerald Keddy. The project also received an investment of $100,000 from the provincial government as well as a combined contribution of $495,875 from the surrounding municipalities.
Quick Facts
- The NQBOT and NQFA business partnership is making this new centre possible. The community’s need for a business hub, an innovation centre and a new emergency response facility has been answered.
- The business centre and innovation centre will provide residents with access to high-speed internet, which has been an issue for this rural community.
- The centre is expecting to open its doors in the summer of 2015.
Quotes
“Our Government is pleased to support the North Queens Fire Association and North Queens Board of Trade through our investment in the development and construction of this new shared facility. The business hub and innovation centre will provide the necessary infrastructure, technology and mentorship needed to support the future development, retention and growth of small businesses in the area.”
Gerald Keddy
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“When we see communities and governments work together to create business opportunities, the Nova Scotia Government is ready to be a partner. They are finding a solution to their common needs, and helping to move their local economy forward.”
Mark Furey
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Service Nova Scotia, on behalf of Michel Samson, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
“As a member of this community, I’m looking forward to the benefits this new facility will bring to our residents. For years, the North Queens Board of Trade and our Association have tried separately to create our own visions of what we wanted for our community, but nothing came to fruition. Now that we have created a partnership and a combined vision, the centre is finally becoming a reality.”
David Lohnes
Chief, North Queens Fire Association
Associated Links
North Queens Fire Association
North Queens Board of Trade
Contacts
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Paul Moore
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-3470 / 902-222-3360 (cell)
Email: Paul.Moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Tina Thibeau
Media Relations Advisor
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
902-424-5836 / 902-483-6104 (cell)
Email: ThibeaTD@gov.ns.ca
David Lohnes
Chief, North Queens Fire Association
902-682-7277
Email: lorena.david@ns.sympatico.ca
