Peggy’s Cove and the Lunenburg Waterfront have been identified for funding through the new Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program for significant tourism infrastructure projects.
The program, announced on July 25 by business minister Geoff MacLellan includes a $6-million investment by the government over three years in five iconic tourism sites to enhance visitor access and experiences, and help motivate people to travel to Nova Scotia.
The Bay of Fundy, including Annapolis Royal, the Cabot Trail and the Halifax waterfront are the other sites identified for funding under the program over the next three years, starting in 2018-19. Under the program, $2 million is earmarked for Peggy’s Cove; Lunenburg waterfront, $750,000; Halifax waterfront, $1.5 million; Cabot Trail, $1 million and Bay of Fundy, including Annapolis Royal, $750,000.
Develop Nova Scotia (formerly Waterfront Development) will lead the planning and implementation of tourism infrastructure enhancements at Peggy’s Cove, which will include consultation with community and business stakeholders.
Tourism Nova Scotia plans to reach out to Develop Nova Scotia to become a program partner for the Lunenburg waterfront, said Tourism Nova Scotia spokeswoman Alex Handley, noting it’s still early in the process. “We will be finding partners to help lead the project, but also to bring together partners in the planning process to talk about what’s needed at the site. The Lunenburg waterfront Association is a stakeholder we would love to engage with during that planning process.”
Handley said funding for infrastructure enhancement is restricted. “It has to be related to tourism,” she said. “It will vary by icon. What’s needed for the Cabot Trail as opposed to the Lunenburg waterfront will look very different. At this point, we can’t say what [the] project will be. It’s too early but we’re very excited to have the money available ... it will be great.”
Handley said Tourism Nova Scotia is “certainly aware” of the sewer issues facing Lunenburg Harbour and the town of Lunenburg. “My understanding [is] that would be for the federal government and Department of the Environment to be looking at. It’s not within our mandate. Not within our jurisdiction.”
Lunenburg is the third most visited tourism destination in Nova Scotia. When asked if the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program might be expanded to sites, Handley said Minster MacLellan did express an intention to look at other sites for future investment when making the announcement.
