April 1, 2017 – Sheet Harbour, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Canada’s world-class tourism industry creates economic growth for middle-class Canadians. Further development and commercialization of experiential tourism and product branding along Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore will enhance business opportunities and help create additional jobs.
Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced a Government of Canada investment of $261,000 for Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores Nova Scotia Association (DEANS). The funding is provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
With this support, DEANS will conduct research on the history, places and culture of the 100 Wild Islands area, a unique gathering of islands that has remained virtually untouched for 10,000 years. It provides one large ecosystem and encompasses a mosaic of every coastal habitat found in Nova Scotia.
The project will facilitate the development of sustainable experiential tourism products, and include workshops to create service offerings in communities between Musquodoboit Harbour and Sherbrooke, as well as the development of a branding framework for the Eastern Shore.
Other funding partners include the Government of Nova Scotia with a contribution of $40,500 and the Halifax Regional Municipality with a contribution of $37,200.
Additional support for the project comes from the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, DEANS, the Sheet Harbour Chamber of Commerce and the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. The Nova Scotia Nature Trust, an association dedicated to the protection of Nova Scotia’s natural habitats and native species, is the primary leader and advocate for conservation efforts in the 100 Wild Islands area.
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Quotes
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of tourism for Canada’s economy and is committed to enhancing international marketing initiatives. We are also pleased to work collaboratively in support of local tourism-based projects that reflect our commitment in Budget 2017 to grow our economy and make our communities even better places to call home.
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Eastern Shore and Northumberland Shores are known for their cohesive communities and engaged citizens. The incredible interest and enthusiasm that this project has generated from its many partners and these communities bodes well for its success.
– Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova
The province is pleased to support Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores to help bring improved tourism focus to the fascinating 100 Wild Islands area along our shore. This support will help ensure that this pristine area of coastal beauty can be well promoted to the world as a renowned nature-tourism destination.
– The Honourable Lloyd Hines, Member of Legislative Assembly for Guysborough-Eastern Shore-Tracadie
I am pleased to support the great work of the community as we move collaboratively towards a new chapter of tourism for the entire Eastern Shore region.
– Kevin Murphy, Speaker Nova Scotia House of Assembly and Member of Legislative Assembly for Eastern Shore
This investment represents a commitment to rich cultural heritage, community economic development and the untapped potential of the uniquely beautiful, ecologically pristine 100 Wild Islands.
– Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
This announcement recognizes the importance of the progress that has been made to date with the advancement of the tourism development strategy that was recently completed for the area of Musquodoboit Harbour to Sherbrooke. This next phase will continue to be led by the community focusing on implementing the strategy and the development of the area as a sustainable tourism destination that will provide increased economic benefits and increased tourism visitation. We need to raise the bar on our products and experiences to motivate first-time visitors to meet and exceed their expectations. Focusing on the area’s unique selling proposition; the pristine wild islands archipelago, that is easily accessible from the coastal highway and its side roads as well as directly from the Atlantic Ocean, will help us reach that level.
– Cindy MacKinnon, Managing Director, Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores Nova Scotia Association (DEANS)
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Bruce Nunn
Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
Phone: 902-424-5239 / 902-476-6454 (cell)
Email: Bruce.X.Nunn@novascotia.ca
Shaune MacKinlay
Chief of Staff
Office of the Mayor
Halifax Regional Municipality
Phone: 902-490-6531
E-mail: mackins@halifax.ca
Cindy MacKinnon
Managing Director
Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores Nova Scotia Association (DEANS)
Phone: 902-396-8408 (cell)
E-mail: cindy@visitdeans.ca