Trenton Park upgrades to entice residents, visitors to enjoy outdoor hot spots
News release
Government of Canada helps the Town of Trenton revitalize cultural and recreational greenspaces.
May 17, 2023 · Trenton, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
As Canada moves toward a greener future, communities that rely on coal to fuel their economies are building up other sectors to continue growing and create local employment. For many, the tourism sector is already a key economic driver, and it is important that communities are resourced and ready to create offerings that highlight local strengths and assets.
That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the Town of Trenton in its efforts to improve Trenton Park, providing a better visitor experience and diversifying its economy.
Federal government supports rejuvenation of outdoor amenities
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, announced a non-repayable contribution of $114,000 through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI) to the Town of Trenton to increase its hosting capacity and generate additional tourism revenue. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
As the largest greenspace in Pictou County at just over 560 acres, Trenton Park is used for many outdoor activities that take advantage of its amphitheater, pond and trails. The support announced today will help replace the roof and complete repairs at the amphitheater to prepare it to host additional events. The existing wharf at the pond will also be renovated to create a new, fully accessible floating wharf that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities. Lastly, an 870-metre section of trail will be refurbished with improved drainage, a compacted gravel base and barriers to ATV access, making it safer and more accessible. Together, these improvements will help the town attract more residents and visitors to Trenton Park, generating revenue while showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
Investments like this further demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping communities move away from coal reliance, diversify their economies and prepare for a cleaner future.
Quotes
“As communities transition away from coal towards cleaner energy, it is vital that we find new ways to build economic viability. With today’s investment, we are helping build tourism potential by creating new opportunities for people to stop, stay and enjoy the amenities our region has to offer.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“Today’s announcement builds on the work completed by the Hemlock Group and Trenton Park Redevelopment Initiative, which made the location accessible so it could be enjoyed by all residents and visitors. The park is an undisputed gem in Pictou County. I am proud that our government is supporting the town in making further enhancements and building on its tourism offerings and contributing to the region’s economic diversification.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“Trenton Park is a regional asset and considered the outdoor recreational hub of Pictou County. As a multi-seasonal tourist and recreational destination, Trenton Park promotes a vast range of outdoor recreational opportunities year-round. With the funding received from the Canada Coal Transition Initiative Infrastructure Fund, we can further enhance our recreational offerings and improve an already beloved space to provide something for everyone.”
- Craig Murray, Director of Parks and Recreation, Town of Trenton
Quick facts
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The Town of Trenton is home to two coal-fired electrical generation units at the Trenton Generating Station. Both are earmarked for closure by 2030 as part of Nova Scotia Power’s plan to transition to 80 percent renewable energy and eliminate coal as a generating fuel.
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The Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) – Infrastructure Fund was launched on August 20, 2020 and provides $150 million over five years, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), to help communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. ACOA is delivering $55 million under CCTI initiatives. The initiative is set to end on March 31, 2025.
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In 2019, the Town of Trenton received $3.8 million in funding from three levels of government for the Trenton Park Redevelopment Initiative, which resulted in significant accessibility improvements to the park.
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The project announced today is a direct carry-on from the earlier work and is connected to planning done several years ago to help the community capitalize on its outdoor amenities.
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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
Alanna MacDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Trenton
902-752-2065
Alanna.MacDonald@trenton.ca
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