New Project Underway for the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library and deCoste Entertainment Centre
March 22, 2015 – Pictou County, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Town of Pictou, the Municipality of the County of Pictou, the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library and the deCoste Entertainment Centre have joined forces to undertake a planning process to design a shared-use space that will support economic growth opportunities in the community.
The planning and design process will examine expansion possibilities for the deCoste Centre to provide new space for the Pictou library branch. In addition, a common area will be developed for use by both organizations to enhance and increase their program offerings to meet the needs of local residents. This initiative will bring the Town one step closer to further developing the culture industry in Pictou County.
The project will involve in-depth community and stakeholder consultations to create a dynamic and vibrant gathering place. Architectural and engineering services will be engaged to propose an architectural rendering, including all the necessary design work, cost estimates and a long-term operational plan.
The Government of Canada is providing the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library with a $55,000 contribution, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), to lead the project. The Province of Nova Scotia is also contributing $30,000 through Communities, Culture and Heritage. The Town of Pictou and the Municipality of Pictou County are each providing $7,500 toward the project.
Quick Facts:
- In 1951, the Pictou County Regional Library Board was established when the Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Trenton, Westville, and the Municipality of Pictou County united to provide library service. The Town of Stellarton joined in 1963. When the Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of Antigonish County joined in 1964, the region became known as the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library.
- To date, the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library has seven locations within the Municipality of Pictou County.
- The deCoste Centre had its official opening in November 1982 with a performance by Rita MacNeil. Since then, the Centre has presented over 2,000 concerts featuring singers, musicians, actors and dancers from around the world.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support the planning and development of these important cultural venues, to serve the social, economic and educational needs of community residents and visitors alike. The Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library and the deCoste Entertainment Centre have enhanced the area’s access to arts and entertainment, and now they will have an opportunity to enhance literacy-based programming, and provide a central location where people can come together to gain new skills and share ideas.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“The province’s venues of culture and learning are truly valued by Nova Scotians. They are the heart and soul of the province and contributing to cooperative community projects like these is important to the provincial government.”
- The Honourable Tony Ince, Minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the citizens of Pictou Town and County. What is really exciting is how everyone will have a chance to give input into the planning process for this new community asset. Thanks to the County, Town, and ACOA for providing funding for this initiative.”
- Troy MacCulloch, Board Chair, Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library
Related Products:
- Pictou Public Library Project: Background Information
Associated Links:
- Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library
- deCoste Entertainment Centre
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
Eric Stackhouse
Chief Librarian
Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library
902-755-6031
Email: estackho@nsngp.library.ns.ca
