Minister Visited Lunenburg County
Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald visited Lunenburg County on Sept. 26 to reinforce the importance of investments and partnerships that are helping to drive Nova Scotia's tourism, culture and heritage sectors. As minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission, he also highlighted the benefits of physical activity and recreation.
"Provincial investments are helping to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life in the county," said Mr. MacDonald. "For example, look at our annual investments in the South Shore Tourism Association, which works with industry stakeholders on tourism development, visitor information and marketing initiatives for the South Shore area."
Lynne Perry, executive director of the South Shore Tourism Association, said her organization greatly values the partnership it has with the province.
"We are pleased that the minister is learning first hand of the projects that we are working on together," said Ms. Perry. "The South Shore is a key tourism destination in the province and we welcome his interest."
The department also invests in cultural activities and organizations, including arts councils and cultural workshops. The Chester Playhouse is one of several cultural organizations receiving support from the province. The Playhouse was recently renovated and audiences are noticing the difference.
"We've had a tremendous season this summer," said Chris Heide, managing director. "Visitors are so appreciative of the work that's been done and the way this theatre is maturing. We enjoy sharing such recognitions with our partners, like the province and our patrons, who support our continued growth."
More than $34,000 in cultural programming support was invested throughout Lunenburg County this year.
The DesBrisay Museum in Bridgewater, the Fort Point Museum in LaHave, the LaHave Islands Marine Museum, the Mahone Bay Settlers Museum and the Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum in Maplewood also received a total of more than $91,000 in support.
Mr. MacDonald also noted the benefits of supporting recreation, including improved physical and mental health. The Sport and Recreation Commission has invested $377,000 in the county. Organizations who recently received support include the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the YMCA Lunenburg County, the Lunenburg Tennis Club, the Mahone Bay Centre Society, the Lunenburg Curling Club, the Lunenburg Town and the Lunenburg Town Council. The council used the dollars it received from the department to make repairs to the Lunenburg Arena. Mr. MacDonald visited the arena to see the progress being made.
"All of these projects speak to the partnerships that are alive and well in our communities. They also speak to opportunities that will give us, and all Nova Scotians, a chance to prosper in our own hometowns," said the minister.
Nova Scotia's billion-dollar-plus tourism industry translates into jobs for more than 34,000 Nova Scotians. Tourism is also a significant export industry, with more than half of the money generated coming from outside the province.
The province's culture sector is also growing in leaps and bounds. The business of culture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in this province, with an estimated value of $808-million. It's estimated that culture creates more than 29,000 direct and indirect jobs.