New Project will allow Acadian Village to enhance its authentic tourism experience
August 17, 2014 – West Chezzetcook, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
L’Acadie de Chezzetcook Association will soon be able to provide an enhanced visitor experience on the Nova Scotia Eastern Shore. Over the next year, the Village’s Acadian House Museum will undergo strategic infrastructure improvements. These renovations will help attract more visitors to the Village, while promoting Acadian heritage and customs. Local businesses and attractions will also benefit from the increase in tourism traffic.
The project will transform an idle historic building into a welcoming Information Centre. The building’s interior will be completely renovated, while remaining in line with the Village’s period-style design. The Information Centre will encompass a gallery and gift shop featuring local artists as well as interpretive displays promoting the Village and the surrounding communities. As well, the historic barn onsite will receive a new 26’ x 32’ balcony, opening new opportunities for the Association and community to host outdoor events and gatherings.
The Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $80,320 to the project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $18,933 through the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. Additional support includes $25,000 from the Halifax Regional Municipality and $5,000 from the Municipal Councilor’s Discretionary Fund.
Quick Facts:
- The Acadian House Museum was built in the 1850s and is complete with a period kitchen, as well as local Acadian artifacts and documents.
- Over the past few years, visitation to the Acadian Village has been steadily increasing. In 2013, the Village was visited by over 1000 people, including numerous bus tours.
- Each week, the Museum hosts Demo Wednesday, which features staff dressed in period attire illustrating traditional techniques such as rug hooking, broom making, yarn carding and spinning and baking homemade goods.
Quotes:
“These enhancements to Acadian Village will help the Eastern Shore to remain an exciting travel destination. Our Government’s support will assist L’Acadie de Chezzetcook Association in developing new, relevant and competitive tourism products and experiences. This project also recognizes the significance of the area’s rich Acadian heritage.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Tourists tend to stay longer and spend more when they discover authentic experiences, such as the Acadian Village. Supporting this project will help the museum stay open longer, and attract more bus tours, cruise ship passengers, school trips and other visitors who will enjoy immersing themselves in Nova Scotia’s unique Acadian heritage and culture.”
- Acting Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development Minister Zach Churchill, on behalf of Minister Michel Samson
"We are looking forward to making these additions to our site. The welcome centre will provide visitors with information on our facility and the surrounding community. It will also showcase our local artists, businesses and the area’s natural beauty. The large balcony planned for our barn will enable us to host outdoor events and community functions.”
- Beverly Hugli, Chair, L’Acadie de Chezzetcook Association
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Toby Koffman
Media Relations Advisor
Province of Nova Scotia
902-424-4482 / 902-483-5847 (cell)
Email: koffmatg@gov.ns.ca
Paul Moore
A/ Communications Director
ACOA Nova Scotia
902-426-3470
Cell 902-222-3360
Email: paul.moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Beverly Hugli
Chair
L’Acadie de Chezzetcook Association
902-827-2090
Email: strudel@ns.sympatico.ca
