Boardwalk Connects Waterfront Businesses
The final section of Halifax's waterfront boardwalk and Tall Ships Quay were officially opened today. The boardwalk now runs uninterrupted for 3.8 kilometres, connecting businesses and visitor attractions along the waterfront.
"With the completion of this facility, we've reached our goal of providing public access to Halifax's entire central waterfront, from the new Casino Nova Scotia to Pier 21," said Annette Marshall, chair of the Waterfront Development Corp. "A product of government and private-sector partnering, this boardwalk is now prepared to welcome the world with Tall Ships 2000."
The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification provided the development corporation with nearly $1.5 million to complete the boardwalk, develop Tall Ships Quay and rejuvenate the waterfront. The Agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development.
"Attractive and functional waterfronts have always been key to economic growth in coastal and riverfront communities all around Nova Scotia," said Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "With our investment, the Halifax waterfront is set to raise Nova Scotia's profile as a vacation destination among international travellers and contribute even more to the province's booming tourism industry."
Major events such as the Halifax International Busker Festival draw visitors to the lively, urban waterfront. The extended boardwalk will provide more space for festivals and events, as well as docking space for sailing visitors. It will also accommodate the thousands of tourists and the 100 ships expected at the waterfront during Tall Ships 2000 in July.
"The Government of Canada understands that projects like the boardwalk are crucial to the growth of communities across the country," said Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "This boardwalk will bring thousands of visitors and increased cruise ship traffic to Halifax which is great news for the local economy."
The new south section of the boardwalk features the 122-metre Tall Ships Quay, built by the Waterfront Development Corp. and Nova Scotia Power Inc. The utility contributed funding, expertise and resources to design and rebuild the wharf behind its Water Street power plant. The waterfront corporation contributed more than $1 million of its own funding to the quay and boardwalk. The Economic Diversification Agreement invested more than $1 million of its total waterfront funding in the project. The waterfront corporation holds a 20-year lease on the facility to ensure public access and docking space.
"Commitment to the communities where we live and work is very important to us. We're extremely pleased to help make the waterfront an even more enjoyable place for families and visitors," said Murray Coolican, vice-president public affairs, Nova Scotia Power. "Having government and the private sector coming together on this project leaves a legacy that will benefit this city for many years."
The Department of Tourism and Culture reports that five million visitors came to Halifax last year. They spent $560 million at regional municipality businesses, an increase of 15 per cent over 1998.
"By linking the cruise ship pier at the south end with the rest of the waterfront, this development has paved the way for a steady flow of tourist traffic to local businesses and attractions," said Eric Mullin, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia. "The completed boardwalk is a welcome addition to Nova Scotia's complement of attractions that fuel the province's billion dollar tourism industry."
AUX RÉDACTEURS EN CHEF: Pour version français, c. élec. [email protected] .