April 23, 2019
Investing in rural community infrastructure enhances the quality of life for residents and contributes to economic success by better positioning communities to host tourism attractions. This is certainly the case for the Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders market, which draws over 30,000 visitors each season and is one of the largest outdoor markets in Atlantic Canada. New renovations will enable the market to provide a consistent and quality shopping experience to customers regardless of rain or shine.
A new permanent roof structure over the Farmers Market will protect shoppers and vendors from the outdoor elements, leading to fewer cancellations and extending the tourism season. Complete interior and exterior upgrades to a former bus garage will house amenities including a comfort station and an extension of the Market. These changes will provide an enhanced experience to all market-goers and will facilitate continued growth through its strengthened tourist facilities.
Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, announced federal support for this project on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The Government of Canada is making smart investments that will create good, middle class jobs in our country. It is helping small and medium-sized businesses to start-up, expand or modernize and supporting not-for-profit organizations to fuel business growth. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
The Government of Nova Scotia is also supporting this project through a $110,000 investment via the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program, which focuses on revitalizing Nova Scotia’s most competitive tourism icons. The Bay of Fundy, including Annapolis Royal, is one of five iconic sites with a high level of recognition nationally and internationally, ultimately helping motivate travel to the province.
Quotes
“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in the Town of Annapolis Royal is building on our competitive advantages by enhancing the overall tourism product in the region, which will help to boost economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for Canadians.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
“The Farmers Market is a landmark tourism attraction in downtown Annapolis Royal bringing in shoppers and vendors from near and far. Tourists get to purchase a taste of the rich agricultural and artisanal products that the area is well known for. This contribution will help to ensure that the Market continues to flourish as one of the largest Farmers Markets in Atlantic Canada and remains a fixture for many years to come.”
- Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
“History, culture and creativity are at the heart of Annapolis Royal, making it a well-loved tourist destination along our iconic Bay of Fundy. Today’s infrastructure investment will provide an opportunity for more businesses to participate in the Market and enhance the visitor experience.”
- Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Annapolis
“The Town of Annapolis Royal is once again the grateful beneficiary of its partnerships with the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia. These exciting projects to enhance our visitors’ experience would not be possible without the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Nova Scotia Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program. Canadians are working together to improve and enhance the cradle of our nation.”
- William MacDonald, Mayor, Town of Annapolis Royal
Quick facts
The Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders market is in close proximity to the iconic Bay of Fundy and other key tourism attractions in the region such as the waterfront, lighthouse and wharf, the King’s Theatre, museums and heritage sites such as Fort Anne, which is operated by Parks Canada.
The Government of Canada invested $175,000 in this project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. Tourism Nova Scotia contributed $110,000 toward this $350,000 project through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program.
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities.
Eligible recipients include non-commercial/not-for-profit organizations such as local development associations, municipalities and their agencies, business or technology institutes, industry/sector associations, economic development associations, local cooperatives, universities and educational institutions.
The ICF continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
The Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program is an infrastructure funding program focused on revitalizing Nova Scotia’s most competitive tourism icons. Through this program, government is investing $6 million over the next three years (2018-19 to 2020-2021) in five iconic tourism sites to improve visitor experiences and further motivate travel to Nova Scotia. The investments will also create opportunities for private sector businesses to offer new experiences that will keep the tourism sector growing.
Associated links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca
Zandra Alexander
Communications Advisor
Tourism Nova Scotia
902-424-5496 / 902-222-4256 (cell)
zandra.alexander@novascotia.ca
Sandi Millett-Campbell
Community Development Coordinator
Town of Annapolis Royal
902-532-3145
phmc@annapolisroyal.com