Minister Reinforces Importance of Key Sectors
Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald is in Kings County today promoting the importance of tourism, culture and heritage to the province's economic and social growth. As minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission, he is also highlighting the importance of physical activity and recreation.
The tour includes visits to the Wolfville Visitor Information Centre, 195 Main St., Wolfville, at 10 a.m.; the Atlantic Theatre Festival, 356 Main St. Wolfville, at 10:45 a.m; Old Kings Courthouse Museum, 37 Cornwallis St., Kentville at 12:15 p.m.; and Memorial Park Complex, 354 Main St., Kentville at 1:15 p.m.
The minister notes that provincial investments are helping to stimulate economic growth and enhance quality of life in the county.
"Our investments are creating opportunities here at home, while building our exports and enhancing our reputation in markets around the world," he said.
As one example, he points to annual investments in the Evangeline Trail Tourism Association. The association works with industry stakeholders on tourism development, visitor information and marketing initiatives in the area. The community also benefits from numerous tourism marketing and development initiatives including funding support for festivals and events and special projects designed to build on Nova Scotia's 12-month season.
Tourism and Culture also invests in various museums in Kings County, including the Charles MacDonald Concrete House, Randall House and the Old Kings Courthouse. Bria Stokesbury, spokesperson for the SouthWest Nova Scotia Curators' Group, said recent funding was used to develop a promotional stamp book for museums within South West Nova Scotia. The book is used as a lure to increase visitation and promote public awareness of the heritage sites.
"We have wanted to do this project for some time, which has increased the value of heritage in the eyes of the Nova Scotia public in a fun, creative way," said Ms. Stokesbury.
The department also offers programs to help cultural organizations, including those focusing on youth, export development, facilities and operations. For example, the Atlantic Theatre Festival received annual funding support of about $160,000 to assist with operations.
"The Atlantic Theatre Festival is able to offer first-rate theatre year after year because of the generous and ongoing support of the provincial government," said general manager Kevin McKendrick. "Over seven seasons this investment has permitted the festival to train and develop staff and craftspeople from Nova Scotia. Actors who started as spear-carriers now star in productions. None of this would have been possible without the vision and commitment of the provincial government."
The Sport and Recreation Commission creates opportunities for recreation and physical activity, which are important for physical and mental health. The commission recently provided $10,000 to the Memorial Park Complex in Kentville.
"Memorial Park can now host national-level championships with the upgrades funded through the province," said Mark Phillips with the Town of Kentville Parks and Recreation. "National championships bring recognition to the community, develop local leadership skills and attract people from across the region and from across Canada."
Other organizations receiving support from the Sport and Recreation Commission include the South Berwick Community Club, Wolfville Curling Club, Coldbrook Recreation Commission, the Berwick and District Community Association, the North Kentville Recreation Association, New Minas Recreation and Nicolsville Community Club.
"All of these projects speak to the partnerships that are alive and well in our communities. They also speak to opportunities that will give us and all Nova Scotians a chance to prosper in our own hometowns. And building prosperity here in Nova Scotia is a large part of this government's vision," said Mr. MacDonald.
Nova Scotia's billion-dollar-plus tourism industry translates into jobs for more than 35,000 Nova Scotians. Tourism is also a significant export industry, with more than half of the money generated coming from outside the province.
Nova Scotia's culture sector is also growing in leaps and bounds. The business of culture has emerged as one of the fastest growing sectors in this province with an estimated value of $808 million. Moreover, it's estimated that culture creates more than 29,000 direct and indirect jobs.