November 28, 2022 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Giant block letters spelling out S-Y-D-N-E-Y were unveiled today along downtown Sydney's boardwalk. The new landmark is part of a larger revitalization project spearheaded by the Sydney Downtown Development Association (SDDA) to reanimate the area and boost business growth.
Atlantic Canada's main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods are vibrant spaces where people gather to enjoy all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. After more than two and a half years of the pandemic, people are yearning to safely connect and return to the region's downtown areas. The Government of Canada, through the Rediscover Main Streets initiative, is supporting community-led projects that will bring energy back to these important hubs.
Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced an investment of $150,000 through the Rediscover Main Streets initiative for the Sydney Downtown Development Association (SDDA). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This support will help the SDDA create a welcoming environment to draw people back downtown. With input from the community, the SDDA is undertaking activities such as the installation of the Sydney block letters and new lighting along Charlotte Street. These visual elements will be accompanied by a multimedia marketing campaign to help promote the area and all it has to offer.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping small businesses and local communities recover and work together to build a strong and resilient economic recovery that benefits every Canadian.
