La Société Saint-Pierre receives federal support to enhance Acadian landmark
February 16, 2015 – Chéticamp, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
With its red gables pitched in stark contrast with the pale blue, wind-swept skies of the Acadian community of Chéticamp, Les Trois Pignons is by all accounts an easy-to-spot landmark and well-known tourist destination. This centre of Acadian culture in Cape Breton will benefit from improvements both inside and out in time for the 2015 tourism season.
Managed by La Société Saint-Pierre, Les Trois Pignons creates authentic Acadian cultural experiences for members of the local community and for visitors. Situated on the Cabot Trail, one of Nova Scotia’s best known tourism destinations, the cultural centre houses the local tourist information office, an archives and genealogical resources, a museum of fine antiques, the Elizabeth LeFort Art Gallery, a library, a community-based radio station and recording studio, and the offices of La Société Saint-Pierre.
As a result of an accelerated market readiness assessment conducted through Destination Cape Breton Association, Les Trois Pignons will undertake renovations to increase its interior retail space and improve the overall curb appeal of the facility. The project also includes business planning and branding initiatives, as well new exterior signage to complete exterior improvements. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing a $35,400 contribution to la Société Saint-Pierre to complete these enhancements.
With the support of ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), Les Trois Pignons’ enhancements are expected to attract increased numbers of tourists and improve retail sales. The Municipality of the County of Inverness has also contributed $5,000 to the project.
Quick Facts:
- La Societe Saint-Pierre was incorporated in 1948 to preserve Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s Acadian heritage, local history and language and to promote the intellectual, cultural, social and economic interests of local Acadians.
- Les Trois Pignons was constructed in 1978 in an 18th century French architectural style. It serves as a cultural and information centre for residents and tourists alike.
- Through its various services and collections, Les Trois Pignons provides a special view into Acadian culture and the history of Chéticamp.
- Chéticamp is located on the north western tip of Inverness County on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. It is a fishing community situated on the Cabot Trail, just outside the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
- Les Trois Pignons is a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award 2014 winner, an honour that recognizes attractions that consistently achieved outstanding traveler reviews.
- This project complements the Federal Tourism Strategy, launched in 2011 as a whole-of-government initiative to help position Canada’s tourism sector for long-term growth and competitiveness.
Quotes:
“Les Trois Pignons is a cornerstone of the Acadian community on Cape Breton Island. The building houses several organizations and services that are essential to enhancing the vitality of the French linguistic minority community. Our Government is pleased to support this project as it will increase awareness of Chéticamp as a premier tourist destination, while providing lasting economic benefits for the surrounding communities.”
- Senator Michael L. MacDonald, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“Acadians are well-known for their sense of hospitality and we want to convey our unique “joie de vivre” to visitors to Les Trois Pignons. We believe that these improvements will further enrich the overall experience of our visitors and ensure that Les Trois Pignons is well positioned to promote and share our authentic Acadian culture for many years to come.”
- Lisette Aucoin-Bourgeois, Executive Director, La Société Saint-Pierre
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
D.A. Landry
Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-564-3617
Lisette Aucoin-Bourgeois
Executive Director
La Société Saint-Pierre
(902) 224-2642
