Enhancing the Visitor Experience in Peggy's Cove

TOURISM, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Enhancing the Visitor Experience in Peggy's Cove

Visitors to one of Nova Scotia's most popular tourist attractions will soon enjoy improved services and easier parking. The province announced plans today, May 10, to improve the traffic flow and overall visitor experience in Peggy's Cove.

In support of recommendations made in the Peggy's Cove Assessment Study, the province will invest $834,000 toward the creation of an interpretive program, and enhancements to the visitor information centre and provincial parking lot at Peggy's Cove.

Based on feedback from residents, tourism operators and visitors, the province commissioned the Peggy's Cove Assessment Study in 2003 to address capacity issues and potential tourism opportunities in the area. The study was supported by the Peggy's Cove Commission, the Peggy's Cove Preservation Society and local residents.

"Peggy's Cove is an internationally recognized icon of Nova Scotia, which attracts about 650,000 visitors each year," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "The province's investment will make it even better for visitors and local residents."

The St. Margaret's Bay Regional Tourism Development Association will oversee the development of interpretive panels, signs and brochures that explain the natural and cultural history of Peggy's Cove. The association will also be responsible for enhancements to visitor services, including the development of picnic areas, benches, information services and kiosks. This work is expected to be completed by the spring of 2006.

"These enhancements will enable visitors to better experience the rich culture and heritage of Peggy's Cove," said Shelley Webb, chair of the tourism development association. "They will also encourage visitors to spend more time in Peggy's Cove and the St. Margaret's Bay area."

An expanded visitor information centre will focus on improved counseling and orientation to the village. Preliminary work is expected to start late in the summer and will be completed by late fall. During the construction period, visitor services will be provided at alternate locations within the village.

The provincial parking lot will be expanded to provide additional parking, and redesigned to provide a turn-around area for larger vehicles, such as RVs and motorcoaches. To minimize traffic disruption, this work will not begin until late fall.

"We want to provide a safe and quality visitor experience, while at the same time protect the identity and integrity of the village of Peggy's Cove," said Murray Garrison, chair of the Peggy's Cove Commission.

The province's investment in the interpretive program is part of $15 million in funding announced by Mr. MacDonald in December 2004. That funding is designed to help boost Nova Scotia's tourism industry in the areas of marketing, product development, and regional tourism initiatives.