Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced a total of $898,935 for four tourism-related economic development projects on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The initial phase of the development and enhancement of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs will include preparation of an application for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as hiring a project manager and preliminary design of an interpretive complex.

The Tatamagouche Creamery Square project will convert an old dairy operation into a multiplex tourism attraction bringing together a museum, a year-round Farmer’s Market and other commercial enterprises.

The Chez Deslauriers Acadian homestead at Pomquet will undergo property improvements including the construction of two new outbuildings and a heritage garden, while the Queens County Fairgrounds in Caledonia will see the construction of an illuminated equestrian building and an exhibition facility.

“From fossils to fairs, the value of these tourism resources to their home communities and to the province as a whole is beyond debate,” said Minister Regan. “These investments speak to the Government of Canada’s confidence in our people and our places.”

ACOA has contributed $290,238 to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs initiative, $259,697 to the Tatamagouche Creamery Square project, $120,000 to the Chez Deslauriers homestead renovations, and $229,000 to the Queens County Fairgrounds Association.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

Nova Scotia’s tourism industry is a multi-faceted gem that has just received further polishing in settings around the province. The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced ACOA funding totalling $898,935 for four tourism projects. An interpretive complex will be developed at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Tatamagouche Creamery Square will convert an old dairy operation into a multiplex tourism attraction, property improvements to the Chez Deslauriers Acadian homestead at Pomquet will include a heritage garden, and an illuminated equestrian building will be constructed at the Queens County Fairgrounds.

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Valérie Poulin
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 941-7241

David Harrigan
Media Relations Officer
ACOA Nova Scotia
(902) 426-4238

Rhonda Kelly
Executive Director
Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association
(902) 667-2270

Floyd Tucker
President
Creamery Square Association
(902) 657-2701

Jackie Knocton
Vice-Chairperson
Pomquet Development Society
(902) 863-0086

Carla Mahoney
Secretary-Manager
Queens County Fair Association
(902) 682-3320