Agriculture Association Continues to Help Community Grow
September 4, 2014 – Caledonia, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The annual exhibition grounds in Caledonia are a central community meeting place and provide a venue for a wide variety of events in the immediate community and the surrounding North Queens area. Over the next year, the facilities located at the Queens County Fair Association (QCFA) will be upgraded to support year-round activities, thanks in part to a federal contribution of $68,250 as announced today by the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for ACOA and Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s).
Improvements will be made to the pavilion, the west field gatehouse and main building. In addition, a 256 square foot wheelchair accessible service facility will be constructed. The renovations will result in increased versatility for the venue and will allow for larger events such as farmers markets, livestock and equestrian shows. These improvements will result in increased winter use, including the return of outdoor skating.
The Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $68,250 to the project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). Additionally, the Province of Nova Scotia is investing $38,000 through the Province of Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
Quick Facts:
- Land for the QFCA was originally purchased in 1886 for $10.
- In 2012, the main building and the pavilion were recognized by the Region of Queens' heritage designation program and presented with heritage plaques.
- The annual Queens County Fair takes place over five days each September days and includes many exhibits from all over Nova Scotia. This year’s event runs from September 16 through 20.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support the Queens County Fair Association. Upgrades to the fair site will improve accessibility and its capacity to host larger and more varied events in the area. By improving this vital piece of community infrastructure, the Association is opening doors for further growth and long-term sustainability.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“The Queens County Fair Association has worked hard to maximize the value of their facilities through the continued development of the fair site. This project will help the Association re-energize the fair grounds to support year-round community events.”
- 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
“The upgrades to Queen’s County Fair will increase the variety of activity and events held here throughout the year, and attract a greater number of visitors. This is a great community project that supports growth in the area's economy and we're pleased to support it.”
- Tony Ince, Minister, Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
“Giving back to our community is something we at the Queens County Fair Association sincerely value, and these upgrades will help us do just that in an immense way. This project is the stepping stone we need to further develop and strengthen our community.”
- David Freeman, President, Queens County Fair Association
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-448-2748 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Glenn Friel
Media Relations Advisor
Government of Nova Scotia
902-456-7416
Email: frielgp@gov.ns.ca
Doreen Holdright
Secretary Manager
Queens County Fair Association
902-682-2567
Email: doreenh@eastlink.ca
