Improved Facilities, Economic Activity From Annapolis Historic Gardens Project
An investment in a landmark destination for visitors to the Annapolis Royal area will enhance its visitor facilities and contribute to economic activity year round.
MLA Pam Birdsall, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra, announced the support for the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens today, Dec. 14.
The province is supporting the project with $50,000 from the Community Jobs and Facilities Improvement Program. The investment will help the gardens improve its retail gift shop and interpretive centre, add a café and improve the Gardens Shop, which also serves as the location for a winter farmer's market.
"Facilities like the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens make life better for families as they create good jobs and strengthen the economy of rural Nova Scotia communities," said Ms. Birdsall. "The province is pleased to support this project so the gardens continue to preserve and share the story of our agricultural heritage and support tourism in southwest Nova Scotia."
The government of Canada is investing $40,000 in the project under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). The investment supports a variety of work at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens including re-shingling the roof, upgrading the flooring and walls of the main garden house, stabilizing the maintenance barn, upgrading the winter farmers' market area and the interpretive centre, installing an irrigation system and making improvements to the facility's grounds.
"Our government is committed to supporting communities across Canada," said MP Greg Kerr on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). "This investment creates a sustainable future for this community treasure, showcasing gardening methods, designs and materials from more than 400 years of local history."
In April, the gardens were named one of the "Top Five Gardens in North America Worth Travelling For" at the 2012 Annual Canadian and International Garden Tourism Awards.
The winter farmer's market that operates out of the Gardens Shop draws more than 175 customers every Saturday and supports between 10 and 20 local vendors.
"The work taking place here at the gardens will help create a more enjoyable and memorable experience for all the visitors we welcome each year," said Keith Crysler, chair of the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society. "There is so much for people to see and do here, and with this most recent work we can ensure that they continue to enjoy our magnificent collection and grounds for years to come."
More information on the Community Jobs and Infrastructure Improvement Fund is available at http://gov.ns.ca/cch/investing/community-funding/cjfip/ .