Created: 2012-06-18 22:16:30

Want to share this article?

PETER MACKAY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BRING TALL SHIPS TO RURAL NOVA SCOTIA AND EXPANSION OF THE HECTOR HERITAGE QUAY
Date: June 18, 2012



Pictou, Nova Scotia - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Member of Parliament for Central Nova and Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, today announced significant federal contributions for Tall Ships 2012 and the Hector Heritage Quay.

'Nova Scotia's tourist season will get a major boost this year with the appearance of tall ships from the United States as part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge Race. I know that the Tall Ships will be a welcome addition to the annual summer program in ports all along our coasts,' said Minister MacKay. 'Our government's top priorities are jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, and these investments will provide a significant boost to the participating rural communities.'

The Government of Canada is helping to fund this project with a commitment to make a $400,000 contribution from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Waterfront Development Corporation, a provincial Crown Corporation, will manage the Tall Ships 2012 events throughout the province from July 19-29. The Corporation also managed the Tall Ships Festivals in 2004 and 2009. After appearing in Halifax from July 19-23, the ships will appear in Lunenburg and Port Hawkesbury (July 25-26), and Pictou, Pugwash and Shelburne (July 28-29).

'The return of the majestic Tall Ships to Nova Scotia is one of the most highly anticipated events happening in the province this year,' said Percy Paris, Nova Scotia's Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. 'Nova Scotia has been named among the top global destinations for 2012, and the Tall Ships festival is one of the exceptional festivals and events happening throughout the province that make this the year to come and visit.'

'We are pleased to be able to bring these ships back to rural ports around the province,' said Colin MacLean, President and CEO of the Waterfront Development Corporation. 'The visits by these magnificent ships to our shores have become a welcome summertime attraction both for Nova Scotians and their visitors.'

Minister MacKay also announced that the Government of Canada will contribute $75,650 towards implementing an expansion and enhanced displays for the Hector Heritage Quay on the Pictou waterfront. The Hector Quay Society will implement a number of improvements on the waterfront site including improvements to the seawall surrounding the quay, the installation of walkways, decking and planters, new interpretive displays and self-guided tours with listening devices. The province is providing $70,000 in funding to develop this significant heritage site as a key regional attraction along the Northumberland Shore. 'This funding will allow us to implement key upgrades, making this very significant historic site even more attractive to visitors,' said Anne Emmett, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Hector Quay Society.