News Release

For immediate releases
February 22, 1999

SYDNEY, N.S. - Many of Nova Scotia’s waterfront communities are forecasting a rising tide of economic development this year, thanks to the new federal/provincial Waterfront Development Program announced today in Sydney. Funded by the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification, the program helps towns and villages turn their natural strengths into local economic growth mechanisms.The attractive and popular Sydney Boardwalk was used as the backdrop for the announcement of the program and the projects funded through it.

The first 21 communities approved under the $1.98 million agreement will revitalize their waterfront areas, turning them into attractions for visitors, residents and businesses. The agreement builds on the successes of federal and provincial waterfront programs over the last ten years in Nova Scotia, from Yarmouth to Sydney.

“This innovative program is an excellent example of the federal government’s commitment to working with Nova Scotia communities to promote solid economic growth in rural areas of our province,” said Senator Al Graham, on behalf of the Honourable Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “The waterfront program will help communities make the most of their natural advantages and create opportunities for Nova Scotians in the process.”

“You only have to look at communities like North Sydney, Sydney, Louisbourg, or Yarmouth, to see what a revitalized waterfront has done. It’s brought tourism, a sense of community, and in many cases, new business back to their downtown areas,” said Economic Development and Tourism Minister, Manning MacDonald. “We’re especially proud of the waterfront development that has already taken place across the province, and the profound effect it’s had on Nova Scotia’s communities. This program will build on that.”

Sydney, North Sydney, Louisbourg, Port Hawkesbury, Arichat have all been approved for funding under the program.

The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification is co-managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation on the federal level and provincially by Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism.

For Further Information Contact:

Joanne Kerrigan
Economic Development and Tourism
(902) 424-5836

Marcie Stanley
ECBC
(902) 564-7876