MP Gerald Keddy and Ardith VanBuskirk, Councillor (District 2) for the Municipality of the District of Shelburne stand outside the Sandy Point Light House & Community Hall where 1 of 8 new eco-tourism sites will be located. The tourism sites will feature signage on the area's history as well as a gravel parking lot, a covered picnic table and a garbage and recycling station. This particular location is positioned across from the beautiful Sandy Point Lighthouse.
Shelburne, NS (October 1, 2011) - The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is making an investment that will add to the appeal of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne’s eco-tourism assets.
“This area has an abundance of natural advantages that draw locals and visitors alike, enticing them to experience an eco-adventure,” said Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s and Parliamentary Secretary for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the ACOA and La Francophonie. “Our Government’s investment will help the Municipality capitalize on its strengths and will provide a strong foundation on which to build for future growth.”
ACOA’s investment of $85,200, through the Innovative Communities Fund, will allow the Municipality to undertake a series of eco-tourism-related activities.
The first project involves the creation of seven interpretive rest stops throughout the Municipality. The area is located off Highway 103 which encompasses several picturesque communities and many other points of interest. Each rest stop will feature signage on the area’s history as well as a gravel parking lot, a covered picnic table and a garbage/recycling station.
The ACOA investment will also support the stabilization of the century-old Tom Tigney Bridge in the community of Sable River. The bridge serves as a corridor to the Trans Canada Trail and will receive concrete work, timber bracing and new decking.
"The Municipality of the District of Shelburne, located in Southwestern Nova Scotia, has a rich and valuable history,” said Warden Sherman Embree. “I am pleased that through this project we will be able to improve the visitor experience and share even more of our culture and beauty with them."
The Innovative Communities Fund invests in strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada’s communities. Working in partnership with Atlantic communities and stakeholders, ICF builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities available for their sustainable economic growth.
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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is investing nearly $85,200 to support the development of eight eco-tourism sites in the Municipality of the District of Shelburne.
The investment will allow for the creation of seven interpretive rest stops throughout the Municipality as well as the stabilization of the century-old Tom Tigney Bridge in the community of Sable River.
MP Gerald Keddy said the investment will support the Municipality in capitalizing on its strengths and will provide a foundation for future growth
