Clark's Harbour Waterfront Development Program

Clark's Harbour, Shelburne and Lockeport are revitalizing their waterfronts with help from the federal/provincial Waterfront Development Program. The improvements are designed to attract more tourists, encourage new business and continue economic development in the communities.

"A good-looking waterfront speaks well of a town," said Leigh Stoddart, chair of the Clark's Harbour waterfront development committee, which is receiving $85,000 to create a sea wall and initial structures including a playground. "Our waterfront is a busy area. We're excited to have the opportunity to make it a nice place for tourists and residents to stop and relax."

In Shelburne, $70,000 will help extend the Dock Street walkway, and improve signage, landscaping and cribwork. "We've taken our first giant step with this development which will keep the integrity of our historic Dock Street and entice tourism and small business to the area," said Bill Cobham, chair of the Shelburne waterfront development committee.

Lockeport Waterfront Development will receive $34,130 to provide ramp access to the beach, interpretive signage, and landscaping. "It's great to see the town getting beautified, and really springing back to life," said chair Bill Atwood. "Everyone's benefitting."

Funded by the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification, the Waterfront Development Program helps towns and villages turn their natural strengths into local economic growth mechanisms.

"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 Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The waterfront program will help communities make the most of their natural advantages and develop valuable resources in the process."

"Revitalized waterfronts in communities like Clark's Harbour, Shelburne and Lockeport attract new business and tourist traffic which generate economic spinoffs. Waterfronts also provide a forum for building community pride and spirit," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "We've been supporting waterfront development initiatives for ten years and we're proud of the profound effect it's having on Nova Scotia's communities."

Yarmouth, Hubbards Cove, Digby, Belliveau Cove, Liverpool, Annapolis Royal, Wolfville, Sheet Harbour, Bridgetown, Isle Madame, New Glasgow, Parrsboro, Guysborough, North Sydney, Sydney, Louisbourg, Port Hawkesbury and Eastern Passage have also 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 Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism.