Province Supports Community Development Throughout Nova Scotia

The province is making life better for families across Nova Scotia by investing in dozens of community projects over the past year.

Through the Community and Rural Development (CaRD) division, Economic and Rural Development invested $1,411,000 in 59 projects during 2010. The total cost these projects is more than $5.5 million.

"Our communities have weathered a challenging time, especially in rural Nova Scotia," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. "With these projects, we are supporting unique community-led projects with local solutions that will make our province more prosperous for years to come."

Every county in the province benefitted from CaRD investments. Funding supported a wide range of projects including building construction and renovations, regional planning, conferences and community celebrations.

In August, the CaRD division invested $20,000 to help renovate the Jost Building in Guysborough.

"Our community will benefit from these repairs and upgrades for decades to come," said Paul Long, chair of the Guysborough Waterfront Development Society. "This summer we will have better facilities for boaters, which will mean increased activity around the village and more income through rentals and community events."

The Community Development Fund assists regional areas and rural communities with local planning and entrepreneurship. It helps to develop co-operatives and projects to ensure sustainable communities across Nova Scotia.