ACOA Funding Announced for the Gardens

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN UPGRADES FOR ANNAPOLIS HISTORIC GARDENS


Annapolis Royal (NS) – JANUARY 26, 2010 – A project that will enable the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society to upgrade the Gardens will soon be underway, thanks to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), a Government of Canada initiative which focuses on economic capacity building in rural communities.


Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $38,760 to support a series of repairs and upgrades to the Annapolis Historic Gardens.


“Projects like this build upon the rich cultural and historic assets of this region and contribute to the economic, social and cultural strength of Atlantic Canadian communities,” said MP Kerr. “Our Government is proud to support projects that not only contribute to the cultural fabric of Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley, but also to the economic vitality of the region.”


This project will assist the Society to strengthen their infrastructure. Several historical buildings and related infrastructure will be repaired and upgraded, including two buildings dating back to the early-to-mid-1800s, the Acadian House, a reconstructed 1671 dwelling, and the Gardens' entrance building. The project repairs and improvements will increase energy efficiency and sustainability, by, among other things, adding attic insulation, sealing air and roof leaks and replacing windows.


The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society is a registered, non-profit, charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. The Society owns and operates the Historic Gardens, which opened in 1981. The Gardens showcase gardening methods, designs and materials representing more than 400 years of local history. It is a world-class attraction that draws tourists and garden enthusiasts from around the world to Annapolis Royal.


The provincial government, through Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage, is investing an additional $1000 in the project.


“The provincial government is pleased to provide financial support to projects that encourage preservation of heritage properties,” said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. “Our rich heritage is a unique resource that contributes to the quality of life in communities throughout Nova Scotia.”


“This funding announcement is great news for the Gardens and for communities across the Annapolis region” said Keith Crysler, Chairman of the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society. “With support from our federal and provincial partners, we are ensuring the preservation of rich history and culture in this part of Nova Scotia.”