Guysborough community waterfront gets upgrades

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Rejuvenation project brings more tourism potential to coastal community

January 5, 2023 · Guysborough, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Vibrant, dynamic waterfronts are a cornerstone of many Nova Scotian communities, attracting visitors from around the world. In Guysborough, the waterfront plays a vital role, serving as a marina, and as a shopping, eating, and gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Its harbour is well-suited to the niche cruise market, and welcoming larger ships is a key element of the community’s economic vision for the future. The Government of Canada is investing to help the Guysborough Waterfront Development Society rejuvenate the community’s historic waterfront, and grow its potential as a cruise ship destination.

Growing rural economies by showcasing what makes them unique

Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, announced a non-repayable contribution of $73,500 to the Guysborough Waterfront Development Society. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This investment will help the non-profit organization improve and replace aging infrastructure, such as wooden building exteriors, windows and decking. Glass railings will provide safety while maintaining the view of the Guysborough harbour, and solar lights will provide energy-efficient illumination. The docking system at the marina, which has experienced ongoing storm damage, will also be repaired. This will allow larger vessels to anchor, bringing a higher volume of visitors to the area.

This project further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to support tourism and help rural communities seize new opportunities to revitalize, thrive and grow.

Quotes

“We are committed to growing rural economies and supporting tourism in Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia’s harbourfront and seaside towns offer history, beauty and culture. When we enhance and showcase the unique atractions that make these places special, we create opportunities for residents and unique experiences for people who will continue to visit, year after year.”

-  The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The last few years were hard on seasonal tourism in Guysborough, and it makes me happy to see the region getting the support it needs to bounce back. Residents know that the marina and its historic buildings are at the heart of their community. Now they will be able to gather here for years to come, and even more visitors will see what makes this place great.”

- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso

“The Guysborough Waterfront Development Society has been a driving force in the tourism industry since its inception in 2000. We have welcomed many visitors, hosted a variety of community events, provided a safe and active marina for local boaters, and now, we are ready to move into the future and make the waterfront come alive again! Our goal is to develop a vibrant waterfront that becomes a centerpiece for tourism by improving our marina services, attracting larger vessels and bringing more visitors who are seeking experiential tourism opportunities in Eastern Nova Scotia.”

- Paul Long, Chair of the Guysborough Waterfront Development Society

Quick facts

  • The Guysborough Waterfront Development Society has been a Nova Scotia registered not-for-profit society since 2000. It is a volunteer-run organization, governed by a 14-member board of directors.

  • The Guysborough waterfront has a full-service marina with docking space for 32 boats. 

  • The waterfront hosts a community market from July to September, weekly music events in the summer, and is home to the summer ArtsWork East art gallery. It also has kiosks available to rent, and is home to the Jost Building which serves as a community meeting rental space.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Paul Long
Chair
Guysborough Waterfront Development Society
902-870-4358
PaulLong148@gmail.com

Stay connected

Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Page details

Date modified: