Saddle up for more great tourism experiences in Nova Scotia

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Left: Miss Rodeo Okotoks (Grace DeFresne) carrying the Canadian Flag at the Nova Scotia Stampede (photo credit Currie Cinemedia). Right: A concert crowd at the Nova Scotia Stampede

ACOA supports successful events and strategic tourism plans in Truro and Amherst

October 10, 2024 · Truro, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Tourism is essential to Atlantic Canada. It boosts local economies and creates jobs, while promoting and showcasing the region’s vibrant cultures and communities. The Government of Canada is investing to help organizations harness tourism potential by undertaking strategic planning and hosting exciting events. 

Stampede and hockey showcased the region while communities plan for more opportunities

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a total non-repayable contribution of $362,500 to three organizations for four tourism projects.

This investment helped the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society (operating as Central NS Sports & Entertainment) host two events in Truro, the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge and the inaugural Nova Scotia Stampede. This investment will also help the Town of Truro and the Town of Amherst, in partnership with municipalities and First Nations partners, develop strategic plans to increase tourism in rural centres, promote the diverse variety of local offerings and extend the tourism season. For more information, see the attached backgrounder.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help grow Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector, and showcase the region’s diverse experiences to visitors from around the world.

Quotes

“From cowboy hats to hat tricks and everything in between, Nova Scotia has something for everyone. By working together on projects like the ones announced today, we will continue to grow a thriving tourism industry that brings in more visitors to communities like Truro and Amherst, year-round.”  

    - The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Nova Scotia Stampede and the World Junior A Challenge are major event projects that define shoulder-season destination marketing. Through a new collaborative destination marketing strategy, our team at Central NS Sports & Entertainment looks forward to leading new growth and investment that will further enable event tourism to become a major economic driver for the region.”

    -   Matt Moore, CEO, Central NS Sports & Entertainment/Co-Founder Nova Scotia Stampede

"The Town of Truro is delighted to announce our partnership with ACOA, as well as the Municipality of the County of Colchester, Millbrook First Nation, and the Town of Stewiacke, as we work collaboratively to develop a strategic regional plan for tourism through ACOA's Strategic Tourism Expansion Program. This plan will be used to identify opportunities and recognize the challenges while laying the foundation for long-term initiatives to ensure responsible and sustainable tourism across our region." 

    - Bill Mills, Mayor of Truro

“We are so pleased to have the support of ACOA to assist us in the development of a strong and diverse tourism strategy.  Working with our municipal partners in Cumberland we are confident this will not only enhance our existing business community but also expand our business base.”

    - David Kogon, Mayor of Amherst

Quick facts

  • The Nova Scotia Stampede was held at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex from September 26-29, 2024. The 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge took place at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre from December 10-17, 2023. 

  • The Nova Scotia Stampede had over 25,000 attendees. The economic impact within the province is projected to be $6-8 million and will be verified by Sport Tourism Canada. Over 100 contestants competed in the Stampede, some among the top 15 in the world from as far away as Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, and Western Canada.

  • A new box office sales record was set for the World Junior A Challenge in 2023 with Team Canada West winning the gold medal. 

  • Other funders for these projects were the Province of Nova Scotia, the Town of Truro, the Town of Amherst, Colchester County and Cumberland County.

  • The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and ACOA’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP). 

  • ACOA’s Strategic Tourism Expansion Program (STEP) is an innovative and comprehensive process that helps close experiential tourism gaps within Atlantic Canadian communities, through collaboration with a facilitator and community stakeholders

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Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

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

Matt Moore
CEO
Nova Scotia Stampede
MMoore@RathEastlinkcc.ca
902-893-2224

Michael Dolter
CAO
Town of Truro
mdolter@truro.ca
902-893-6077

Jason MacDonald
CAO
Town of Amherst
JMacDonald@Amherst.ca
902-664-8367

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