Government of Canada supports creation of enhanced visitor experience honouring unique historical and geological assets of the region
October 31, 2022 · Five Islands, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canadian tourism organizations and operators are working hard to find new approaches to deliver world-class tourism experiences that tell the stories of the region, and what makes it such a special visitor destination. The Government of Canada is supporting the expansion of an enhanced visitor experience at the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark that explores the connections between geology, communities, culture, heritage and nature.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced non-repayable federal contributions totaling $265,000 to the Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark Society. The funding will enable the Society to implement the priority recommendations made by the UNESCO Global Geoparks evaluators to improve the visitor experience and ensure the site upholds the highest standards required to maintain its UNESCO designation. The announcement was also made on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors.
Of the above total, ACOA is providing $212,400 through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), Canadian Heritage is contributing $33,900 through the Commemorate Canada Reopening Fund and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is investing $19,100 through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Province of Nova Scotia is also providing $69,545 through the Tourism Marketing Assistance Program - Regional Marketing Organizations to support marketing initiatives. The Municipality of Colchester County and Municipality of Cumberland County each contribute $75,000 annually to the operation of the Geopark.
This support will help the Society co-ordinate activities that further develop the Geopark brand and establish more community participation with the goal of increasing visitation to this world-class destination. Priorities include marketing, interpretation, branding, digital content development, a fundraising strategy, and enhancements to visitor materials and kiosks. Finally, businesses within range of the geopark will be offered ambassador training, workshops and networking opportunities to ensure they are well-versed in the region's unique geological and historic assets and can share that knowledge with visitors.
