Historic Lunenburg Church to Receive Restoration Funding
SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA/MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Historic Lunenburg Church to Receive Restoration Funding
The restoration of St. John's Anglican Church in Lunenburg is $1- million closer to completion, thanks to the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program. Funding announced today, June 15, means that the popular tourist destination and National Historic Site, which was almost destroyed by fire two years ago, can now proceed will its restoration.
The joint federal and provincial funding of $1 million was announced in Lunenburg by Senator Wilfred P. Moore on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and by Michael Baker, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, on behalf of Peter Christie, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The St. John's Anglican Church Restoration Committee will fund the balance of the project upon formal acceptance of the agreement.
"Community infrastructure improvements like the St. John's Anglican Church project strengthen communities and enhance the quality of our lives," said Senator Moore. "Projects that achieve these goals are a priority of the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program and help the Government of Canada to work with Nova Scotians to invest in their future."
The program is designed to invest in the infrastructure needs of Nova Scotia communities through the support of long-term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancements and the building of 21st century infrastructure through better technologies, new approaches, and best practices.
"The people of Lunenburg suffered a terrible loss when this historic church was nearly destroyed by fire almost two years ago," said Mr. Baker. "The restoration of the St. John's Anglican Church was a priority for this community and we are pleased to help them accomplish this important community project."
The project provides for reconstruction of the church and includes architectural and engineering design, project management and building restoration that meets the unique requirements of its designation as a National Historic Site. Located in the middle of Lunenburg's "Old Town," the church is a key tourist destination and an integral part of the town's UNESCO World Heritage Site status. "This is a big day for Lunenburg," said Jim Eisenhauer, campaign committee chair of the St. John's Anglican Church Restoration. "Thanks to the tireless work of the restoration volunteers, and this great partnership through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we can fully restore this precious part of our heritage."
The infrastructure program has invested over $156 million in 98 projects to date. Additional announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval.
The $195 million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a member of the management committee. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.