Funding for Grand Pré World Heritage Site Project

Grand Pré will now be able to complete its bid for designation as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site with financial assistance from three levels of government.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont joined federal, municipal and community members today, Feb. 16, to announce more than $280,000 in financial support from the province for Grand Pré's bid to earn the designation.

"We are optimistic that this community-driven project will successfully create a trio of World Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia as it joins Lunenburg and Joggins Fossil Cliffs," said Premier MacDonald. "This project reflects the values we share as Nova Scotians -- our quality of life, the importance of volunteers and the need for partnerships to keep our communities strong."

The Departments of Economic and Rural Development, Tourism Culture and Heritage and the Office of Acadian Affairs have joined forces to support the project, a focal point for tourism and culture in the Annapolis Valley.

"This is an opportunity to bring together the Acadian and local communities to work on common goals," said Mr. d'Entremont. "Applying for UNESCO designation has begun a process where the surrounding area, and specifically Grand Pré, can receive the much-warranted recognition it deserves."

The federal government is supporting the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Parks Canada. The project is also being funded by the Municipality of the County of Kings, with community facilitation by Kings Community Economic Development Agency and co-sponsor Société Promotion Grand-Pré. The total financial support is almost $1.3 million.

"A UNESCO designation for Grand Pré will make an important statement about the outstanding value of these very visible cultural sites in Nova Scotia," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Bill Dooks. "It will add to Nova Scotia's international competitiveness as a tourism destination while preserving our heritage."

Grand Pré and the surrounding area has become known as an enduring and inspirational cultural landscape, and is an outstanding example of a distinctive community-based approach to farming in 17th and 18th-century North America. The site has become a symbol of hope, perseverance and pride around the world.