Shining a new light on tourism in Clare
News Release
$83,000 from the Government of Canada helps give Cape St. Mary Lighthouse a facelift, new amenities
Aerial shot and close-up of Cape St. Mary Lighthouse, near Mavillette Beach, Clare, Nova Scotia. (Photo left by C&S Photography. Photo right by Larry Peach)
August 30, 2017 – Mavillette, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Strategic community infrastructure investments are helping to enhance tourism potential and promote economic development across Nova Scotia. The Municipality of the District of Clare is improving the Cape St. Mary Lighthouse and waterfront site to enrich visitor experience, increase tourism appeal and attract more visitors to the region, thanks to an investment of more than $83,000 from the Government of Canada.
The funding was announced today by Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The funding is supporting lighthouse upgrades, including replacing vinyl siding with cedar shingles, as well as the creation of a community park, Le Parc du Phare au Cap Sainte-Marie (Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park), on the surrounding 2.1 acres of land. The site will be enhanced with nautical style post and rope fencing, increased parking, new benches and picnic tables. A monument to those lost at sea, interpretive panels, and a viewing scope will also be installed in the park.
The federal funding is being allocated through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities develop competitive industry sectors; strengthen infrastructure; enhance environmental performance; overcome economic challenges; and build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“As part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government of Canada is committed to making strategic investments in Canada’s growing tourism sector to help cultivate more tourism-related jobs and increase overall visitation. A healthy tourism industry is vital to building a strong, sustainable economy for every region of the country.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Visitors comment on the beauty surrounding the lighthouse that was acquired by the Municipality of Clare, along with 2.1 acres of land, from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in January of this year. The Government of Canada is pleased to help the municipality enhance the Cape St. Mary Lighthouse and create a community park to better highlight the area’s rich history and natural beauty, further charming visitors and residents alike.”
- Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
"This project will revitalize and promote a hidden gem to be appreciated for generations of visitors and residents. The new park will become a major draw for visitors, adding to the critical mass of tourism assets in the Mavillette Beach-Cape St. Mary area.”
- Ronnie LeBlanc, Warden of the Municipality of Clare
Quick Facts
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Between 1868 and 1988, 12 lightkeepers served at Cape St. Mary, including one woman. The lighthouse was de-staffed on March 31, 1989, when it became fully automated.
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Sea captain Mathurin Robicheau moved with his family to Cape St. Mary to become its first lighthouse keeper in 1868. Mathurin and his son, Benjamin, together manned the light for 62 years.
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The popular site attracts an estimated 9,000 people annually from June to October.
Associated Links
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Larry Peach
Tourism Manager
Municipality of Clare
Phone: 902-769-1234 / 902-769-8555 (cell)
E-mail: lpeach@munclare.ca
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