Funding Encourages Heritage and Sustainable Transportation Development

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Residents and visitors in Annapolis Royal will enjoy new cultural spaces and a boardwalk connecting people to key points in the community, thanks to funding announced today, Aug. 19, by Premier Stephen McNeil.

“Annapolis Royal is a prime example of culture and heritage coming together in a special place for Nova Scotians and visitors,” said Premier McNeil. “It’s wonderful that this investment will help residents of an historic town be healthy while supporting the province’s heritage.

“I thank the citizens, the community organizations and the government of Canada for the teamwork on such a rewarding project.”

The province has invested a total of $150,000 in Annapolis Royal’s historic waterfront this year. This includes $55,000 announced today by Premier McNeil under the Communities, Culture and Heritage Recreation Facility Development Grant Program and $45,000 under the Department of Energy’s Connect2 Sustainable Transportation Grant Program, plus $50,000 announced earlier this year under the recreation program.

The funding will help the town build a new amphitheatre for outdoor concerts, plays and other events organized by local arts and community groups. An interactive boatbuilding experience will allow visitors to help build a fishing boat, just like Annapolis Royal’s earlier generations. These projects will be linked by an existing boardwalk, which is also being upgraded and will allow visitors to walk to the beach.

Federal funding of $371,953 from the Innovative Communities Fund was also announced by Colin Fraser, MP for West Nova, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

“The Town of Annapolis Royal has a unique cultural connection of seafaring and the arts,” said Mr. Fraser. “Investing in infrastructure such as the boardwalk and the amphitheatre will help draw more tourists to the downtown waterfront, supporting local businesses.

“These enhancements and support for the arts also shows visitors that the Town of Annapolis Royal is a healthy community to lay down roots.”

Mayor Michael Tompkins announced the town’s $135,000 contribution.

“The collaboration between the federal and provincial governments and the town has fulfilled a vision to reinvent our boardwalk to showcase our marine history and bring an interactive experience to our visitors and residents of our town,” said Mr. Tompkins. “With opportunities for economic development throughout, this is the start of an exciting time for our town.”

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Source: Release