Government of Canada Announces Support to Enhance Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre
July 28, 2015 – Shubenacadie, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is upgrading its Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre in the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park. Over the next year and a half, the Centre and its adjoining trail system will undergo improvements aimed at attracting new visitors to the area, enhancing their experience and extending their stay.
The Government of Canada is investing $400,000 in the project, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). Parliamentary Secretary Scott Armstrong announced the investment today on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA). The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $200,000 through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and was represented by MLA Margaret Miller.
The Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre and trail network opened to the public in 2006, spanning four hectares of land adjacent to the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park. The Centre offers hands-on educational programming and features interactive displays on wetlands and wildlife. The park and wetland trail network showcase more than 26 species of mammals and 65 species of birds.
Over the past year, DUC and the Department of Natural Resources have conducted market research with the Centre’s growing visitor base and developed a strategic plan to further increase traffic, as well as ensure sustainability.
New exhibits will be designed and installed inside the Centre, along with upgrades to the gift shop and air conditioning. Outside, DUC is creating a more accessible and welcoming entrance to the park, adding trail connectors and both directional and interpretive signage. The project also includes rebranding and collaborative marketing to create a seamless flow between the Centre and the Wildlife Park.
Quick Facts:
- Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) was established in 1938 and has since conserved more than 25 million acres of wetlands in Canada.
- The Canadian “wing” of the organization is part of the larger Ducks Unlimited family which has representation in the United States and Mexico.
- The Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre is open May 15 to October 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- The Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park receives on average 90,000 visitors per year. The Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre receives on average 30,000 visitors per year.
Quotes:
“The Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre is an important educational resource for both residents and visitors on the significance of wetlands. The wetlands offer people of all ages an authentic experience in a natural setting, emphasizing the value of conservation and stewardship. Our Government is pleased to support Ducks Unlimited, as they enhance the Centre’s offerings to visitors through capital and interpretive upgrades.”
- Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“The Nova Scotia government is helping to fund improvements to Ducks Unlimited’s Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre to enhance the visitor’s experience of the centre and the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park.”
- Margaret Miller, MLA, on behalf of Nova Scotia Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines
“Ducks Unlimited Canada is excited by the partnership announced here today. This funding will enhance the iconic Wildlife Park so that it will become an even more successful tourism and educational destination.”
- Geoff Harding, Atlantic Head of Major Projects, Ducks Unlimited Canada
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
Bruce Nunn
Media Relations Advisor
Department of Natural Resources
902-424-5239 / 902-476-6454 (cell)
E-mail: Bruce.X.Nunn@novascotia.ca
Chelsea Murray
Communications Coordinator, Atlantic Canada
Ducks Unlimited Canada
902-292-2506
E-mail: c_murray@ducks.ca
