Province Continues to Support Lunenburg County

The people and communities in Lunenburg County continue to have the province's support to help build a brighter future following the closure of the Bowater mill.

Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris, announced today, April 15, the province will cover part of the cost for the municipality to upgrade its financial and information technology systems.

"The closure of the Bowater mill was a devastating blow to families and businesses along the South Shore, and as expected, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg experienced a sudden loss of tax revenue, making it harder to fund some capital projects," said Mr. Ramey. "Last December, Premier Darrell Dexter promised to work with local officials to ensure important projects stay on track while local councils take some time to plan and adapt."

The province will pay $90,000 toward upgrades to information technology systems, including hardware and financial management software. This funding reflects the estimated lost tax revenue from the mill closure.

"These upgrades will enable us to provide services to the ever-growing needs of our community in an efficient and effective way," said Don Downe, Mayor of the Municipality of District of Lunenburg. "Our municipal council appreciates the province's support as this funding ensures this project remains on track this year, despite the municipality's loss in tax revenue resulting from the mill closure."

The forest industry is changing and the mill site can offer a place for Nova Scotians to lead that change.

The province continues to offer support to the local workforce and is moving ahead with plans to create a bioresources centre that will change the face of the forestry sector. Innovation will be a key part of protecting and creating jobs, now and in the future. This approach will attract private investment and support research and development of new products not yet imagined.

The Lunenburg-Queens Transition Action team, with representation from provincial departments and agencies, and municipal governments, recently met to discuss actions taken since Decemberand plans for moving forward.