The Town of Lunenburg is embarking on a 15-month Heritage Strategy that will look at ways to ensure that the Community is able to take full advantage of the U.N.E.S.C.O. “World Heritage Designation.”

The investment of nearly $300,000 in this two-phase project will assist the town in developing a World Heritage Community Strategy to address cultural resource management, tourism development and marketing, and community development.

The Government of Canada announced funding today of $180,000 ($90,000 from Parks Canada, and $90,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) that will contribute to the continued protection of the Town’s historic buildings, and support economic growth through the expansion of tourism offerings.

“The Government of Canada’s investment will help identify opportunities for new businesses and business expansion,” said Gerald Keddy, MP for South Shore - St. Margaret’s and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister, Minister responsible for Parks Canada and the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).  “Today’s announcement will also assist in identifying ways to protect the Town’s cultural heritage and assets, which will help attract more visitors to the Town and surrounding areas.”

Mayor Laurence Mawhinney said, “It has been over ten years since we last reviewed our Heritage Strategy and we have been anxious to move forward with a program which would educate and involve the citizens of today in planning for our future.  I am therefore delighted that the work of renewing our Heritage Strategy has become a partnership in which we have received the strong support of both the Federal and Provincial Governments.”

“I would express my appreciation to our Member of Parliament, Mr. Gerald Keddy for his very kind assistance in making this announcement today.  The financial commitment from Parks Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will assist greatly in taking this work through the two stages.  The first, which involves the community and key stakeholders in reviewing where we are and planning where we would like to be; to the second, where recommendations provided by this process can be  
implemented.”

“We also thank the Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson and the Hon. Michael Baker for the support offered by the Provincial Government which makes this an integrated effort of good will and support to bring this project forward.”

“The Town of Lunenburg was added to the U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage list on December 9, 1995.  The statement which inscribes this site confirms its exceptional and universal value which requires protection for the benefit of all humanity.  Today’s announcement enables our community to do just that.”

“As a combined effort between all three orders of Government, it is another very important step along the road to renewing our joint commitment as we review our heritage strategy.”

The first phase of the project will see the “Heritage Strategist” Team from TCI Management Consultants/ADI Limited engage the Community in updating and expanding of the 1998 World Heritage Strategy.  They will also make recommendations on improvements to the Town’s Heritage by-laws.  Phase two, which is expected to start in several months, will see a Heritage Implementation Officer hired to execute the projects identified in the strategy, as well as assist non-profit organizations and businesses identify opportunities to take full advantage of the U.N.E.S.C.O. designation.

The Town is interested in increasing investment in Lunenburg’s Cultural Heritage.  They will do this, in part, with a Public Awareness Campaign and Strategy.

“Planning for the sustainable management of this significant heritage resource is an important part of the Province’s Heritage Strategy,” said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, MLA for Lunenburg West and Minister of Natural Resources on behalf of Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.  “We are pleased the Town is proceeding with this important initiative.”