News release

Register of Historic Places Now Searchable Online

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

TOURISM, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Register of Historic Places Now Searchable Online


Tourism operators, students, travellers, heritage researchers and all Nova Scotians can now explore the province's rich heritage using a new online register of Nova Scotia's historic places.

The online register, www.NShistoricplaces.ca , is also linked with a national online register that will showcase Nova Scotia's heritage properties with those in other places across Canada.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald, announced today, April 27, that the new web-based register will catalogue hundreds of historic buildings and other heritage sites throughout the province.

"This is a modern and useful way for Nova Scotians to explore our rich heritage," said Mr. MacDonald. "We know the importance of our provincial heritage in attracting tourists, immigrants, and new business people. This new resource will serve them and all Nova Scotians."

The digital register was created by the Nova Scotia Historic Places Initiative, Nova Scotia's presence in Canada's Historic Places Initiative.

Nova Scotia's register will eventually include photos and descriptions of all designated historic houses, churches, canals, lighthouses, archeological sites, gardens, and other such sites in the province.

The Nova Scotia Historic Places Initiative works closely with community heritage groups and municipalities. It also offers funding. Commercial building owners, if eligible, may receive as much as 20 per cent of the cost of their properties' rehabilitation, up to $1 million.

National standards and guidelines are also offered to help owners of all heritage buildings maintain the original character of their properties.

Nova Scotia will receive $587,000 in federal funding to advance the project this year.