St. Peter’s (NS) – May 1, 2009 – Investments by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia are helping to give the Village of St. Peter’s a new look. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and the Honourable Premier Rodney MacDonald, MLA for Inverness.
“The Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan is all about ensuring that projects get funding to put people to work and stimulate the economy,” said Minister MacKay. “This revitalization will bring significant economic benefit to the community including increased tourism and new entrepreneurial activity that will instill a renewed confidence in the future of the area.”
"Sustainable communities are crucial to the future strength and prosperity of the province," said Premier MacDonald. “We will continue to make smart investments in healthy, vibrant communities for rural Nova Scotia to add value for businesses, attract more visitors to the province, and enjoy the resulting economic spin offs.”
The St. Peter’s revitalization will be led by the Strait Highlands Regional Development Agency, in partnership with the St. Peter’s Economic Development Organization. The project involves a cost-shared façade program for eligible property and business owners, enabling them to access professional designs for their storefronts and helping them with construction costs. The project also includes streetscape improvements such as new civic signage, interpretive panels, kiosks and street furniture along the main street.
This project is the result of a community consultation process undertaken by the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency, in partnership with the St. Peter's & Area Planning Committee and the Eastern Nova Scotia Planning Commission in 2005/2006.
St. Peter’s is one of the oldest European settlements in North America and is a commercial hub for both local residents and tourists. Over the years, the community has undertaken a number of small beautification projects including a flower planting program and the installation of new light standards, however, this project represents the first time the community has initiated a coordinated effort to enhance the commercial district through professionally designed façade and streetscape improvements.
The total cost of this project is $1,399,540. ECBC is providing funding of $749,540 and the Province of Nova Scotia is providing $150,000 through the Department of Economic and Rural Development.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
INFORMATION:
Karen Malcolm
Senior Community Development Facilitator
Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency
902-625-3929
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617
Heather Deighan
NS Economic & Rural Development
902-424-5836