Gerald shares a smile with funding partners (from left to right) Al Delaney, Mayor, Town of Shelburne, Honourable Sterling Belliveau, MLA for Shelburne, Cindy Embree, Chair of the Shelburne Community Business Development Corporation, and Rahn O'Connell, Vice-Chair of the Shelburne Community Business Development  Corporation.

shelburne, ns –Two projects designed to strengthen community infrastructure and increase economic opportunities in Shelburne and along the province’s south shore are receiving investments by the Government of Canada.

“Our government is pleased to announce funding for two projects that will boost economic activity and promote long term growth in this region,” said Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “By identifying key areas of improvement for the region, Shelburne County will be better positioned for growth while attracting investors and newcomers alike.” 

The first project will see the Shelburne Community Business Development Corporation undertake a micro-climate study to identify areas of southern Nova Scotia that may be suitable for various new agricultural developments.  A microclimate map will be produced over a three-year period and the data will identify specific areas suitable for various agriculture developments. 

The Government of Canada’s investment of $119,614 is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Province of Nova Scotia will provide $37,046, Agri-Futures Association of Nova Scotia $34,718, and the municipalities of Shelburne, Yarmouth, Queens, Lunenburg, Argyle and Barrington a total of $31,500.

“This project will provide key data to assist in the development of competitive, productive and sustainable agricultural sectors in South West Nova Scotia,” said Cindy Embree, Chair of the Shelburne Community Business Development Corporation. “By creating a microclimate map of the region, we are increasing our capacity to engage with agri-industry developers, community economic development agencies and other partners—and enhancing our knowledge-base as a community.”

The second investment will see the Town of Shelburne undertake a downtown revitalization that will help to strengthen infrastructure in the community and improve its ability to attract and retain a higher level of visitors to the historic downtown waterfront. 

The Government of Canada’s investment of $33,251 is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). Additional funding includes $17, 000 from the Nova Scotia Department of Rural and Economic Development and Tourism and $16, 251 from the Town of Shelburne.

"The government of Nova Scotia is pleased to invest in these sustainable initiatives that have the potential to benefit the Shelburne area for years to come," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister, Percy Paris. "Through the province's economic plan, jobsHere, we are committed to supporting economic growth and community development in all areas of the province."

“The Town of Shelburne appreciates the continued support of ACOA in funding the extension of electrical to the Town Wharf located on Dock Street, the residing of the south side of the Osprey Arts Centre and the re-roofing of the local visitor information centre,” said Alan Delaney, Mayor of the Town of Shelburne. “These projects are vital to the attraction of facilities for the tourist coming into the area as well as the local residents and citizens of the Town.”

Both projects were identified as a priority by Team Southwest Nova Scotia, a committee of community and government representatives launched in April 2010 that works with local businesses and communities to identify and develop strategic long-term solutions to help the economy of Southwest Nova Scotia.