Port Bickerton & Area Planning Association Receives Federal Funding for Infrastructure Upgrades
The Port Bickerton & Area Planning Association will benefit from upgrades to the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Interpretive Centre, as a result of an investment of more than $10,000 from the Government of Canada.
Today’s announcement was made by Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
This funding will go towards replacing the siding and exterior trim on the interpretive facility. The total renovations cost approximately $30,000, with $4,000 contributed by the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s, and the remainder through fundraising by the association.
The Nova Scotia Lighthouse Interpretive Centre, which opened in 1997, is open seven days a week, operating from July 1 to September 30 each year. The centre is an educational and resource tool for information and history about the lighthouse, and lighthouses throughout Nova Scotia. It occupies the restore second lighthouse, which was built in 1930 and the nearby light keeper’s residence, which was built in 1960. The Centre has been enhanced further with 3.7 kilometers of nature trails, and the entire site now forms part of the Port Bickerton Lighthouse Beach Park.
This investment is being allocated under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, a $300-million fund that was established to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday through investments in the community spaces that bring Canadians together.
“This investment is a community-building project to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. And there’s no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together—the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. That’s how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This investment celebrates our coastal heritage and will help preserve it for future generations to enjoy. Infrastructure investments such as these have unquantifiable spin-off benefits that make our home a better place to live. I applaud the efforts of the volunteers who maintain this historical and educational facility that is welcoming to residents and visitors alike, and I encourage everyone to get out and visit soon.”
– Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova
Quick Facts:
• CIP 150 is designed to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the rehabilitation or improvement of existing community infrastructure assets and facilities across the country that promote community and cultural benefits for the public.
• Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
• Projects supported by the program are chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.