Local Businesses and First Nation Community Collaborate on New Project
January 15, 2015 – New Glasgow, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Pictou Landing First Nation (PLFN) has partnered with local businesses to design a building that combines modern construction techniques with state-of-the-art energy efficient technology.
PLFN will collaborate with MacGregors Industrial Group (a metal fabrication company) and PoleCo (a renewable energy engineering company) to expedite the project, with assistance from the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber). The design will focus on quick assembly, insulation and renewable energy technologies such as solar powered systems.
Following research and design, the proponents will look for opportunities to construct a demonstration building, and use it as a marketing tool for potential sales in Canada’s North where energy costs are prohibitive and construction is challenging. The intent is for a demonstration building to be used as a band office by the PLFN.
The Government of Canada is providing the Chamber with a $58,500 contribution, through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), to lead the project. Pictou Landing First Nation, MacGregors Industrial Group, PoleCo, and the Chamber are also contributing financially toward the project.
Quick Facts:
- The PLFN is a Mi’kmaq First Nation community of 459 residents, located at the mouth of Pictou Harbour on the Northumberland Strait.
- MacGregors Industrial Group manufactures energy efficient modular steel buildings that can be fabricated in Nova Scotia, shipped and erected quickly in any other location.
- PoleCo is an advanced technology company focused on renewable energy systems and energy systems management.
- The Chamber represents and supports over 225 businesses employing over 7,500 people in Pictou County.
Quotes:
“Our Government values effective community partnerships. This project is a prime example of local innovation and collaboration between the private sector, the First Nations community and government. Our Government is pleased to support the design of these energy efficient buildings to improve the quality of life for families and to promote safe, healthy and prosperous communities.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“Our chamber is focused on connecting business and people in ways that stimulate growth in our local economy. In this case, government, the private sector and the Pictou Landing First Nation have truly made that connection resulting in a unique project with great potential.”
- Jack Kyte, Executive Director, Pictou County Chamber of Commerce
“Our community is excited to be part of this project which shows that we can play an important role in economic development. It is really gratifying to be able to sit down with our project partners and work together toward a shared vision, including the cultural features that are so important to our people. And, on top of that, the building design we are working on may be of great benefit to other communities across Canada.”
- Chief Andrea Paul, Pictou Landing First Nation
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
902-426-9417/902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Jack Kyte
Executive Director
Pictou County Chamber of Commerce
902-755-3463/902-759-9785 (cell)
E-mail: jdkyte@ns.sympatico.ca
Chief Andrea Paul
Pictou Landing First Nation
902-759-3953
E-mail: wasawek39@hotmail.ca
