Joggins Fossil Cliffs Gets $1.1-Million Boost

TOURISM, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Joggins Fossil Cliffs Gets $1.1- Million Boost

A provincial investment of $1.1 million provides a significant boost to the development of the Joggins fossil cliffs into a unique tourism destination. The fossil cliffs have been identified for possible designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald announced this investment today, Feb. 18, in Joggins.

The 300-million-year-old fossils at Joggins are some of the most famous anywhere and pre-date the dinosaurs. They already attract visitors from around the world.

"Developing the fossil cliffs into a world-class tourism product will bring tremendous economic benefits for Joggins and for Nova Scotia's tourism industry," said Mr. MacDonald. "It is also an important part of gaining the designation of a World Heritage Site."

The one-time investment will be administered by the Cumberland County Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA), which is leading the project in consultation with the local community.

"Today's show of support from the province is exactly what's needed to keep this development moving forward," said Rhonda Kelly, executive director of CREDA. "It demonstrates how serious we are to make it successfully through the review stage with UNESCO."

Construction of a modern interpretive centre and development of access to the beach for pedestrians and emergency vehicles are among the next steps in the project. Much of the work is expected to be completed in time for a visit from an evaluation team from the United Nations in 2006. A final decision on the designation of World Heritage status is expected by 2007.

"Joggins is already recognized as the world's richest, most representative and most significant Coal Age fossil site," said Mr. MacDonald. "This project also fits industry's efforts to develop our tourism products along the Bay of Fundy."

The departments of Natural Resources and Economic Development are also active supporters of the fossil cliffs.

CREDA will use this latest investment to seek additional partners and leverage other public and private sector resources. The total cost of the project is about $6 million.