PUGWASH, N.S. — Another piece of Pugwash’s master plan is about to fall into place.
Cumberland-Colchester MP Bill Casey announced June 20 the federal government is helping the Municipality of Cumberland and the village of Pugwash with plans to design a new multi-purpose centre that will draw more people and events to the village core, boost tourism and grow the economy.
“As the host for events such as the Gathering of the Clans, Harbourfest and the Tall Ships Festival, the village of Pugwash is an important gathering place in the province,” Casey said in a news release issued by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “This investment is critical to enabling the village to multiply these types of opportunities and create a more vibrant community for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The federal government is providing a $111,715 non-repayable contribution through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building.
Casey credited the village commission and the municipality for their partnership that will lead to the multi-purpose centre.
The project includes a detailed design of the multi-purpose centre and a business plan to determine its construction and operating costs.
This will help bring the facility one-step closer to fruition.
The project is a critical part of a multi-phase revitalization strategy to enhance the Pugwash waterfront and its amenities to build a more dynamic and prosperous community. Renovations to the Pugwash Farmer’s Market, construction of a new performing arts amphitheatre and other community infrastructure improvements – including the village water project – are all part of the master plan.
“This project will continue to be a real turning point for Pugwash,” Cumberland County Warden and Pugwash area councillor Allison Gillis said. “It will not only provide more opportunities for visitors and residents alike, but it will contribute to the success of both the village of Pugwash and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland.”
In April, Casey was joined by representatives from the village and the municipality to announce $450,000 in funding for the construction of a new performing arts amphitheatre in Eaton Park. That project is expected to be ready for the Gathering of the Clans celebration on July 1.
The amphitheatre includes a new outdoor stage with a full sloped roof that will amplify sound projection, a larger performance area, two dressing rooms, two washrooms, a storage room and an office.
Last March, the federal government announced $59,000 for the construction of permanent kiosks, with electrical connections and lights, for the farmer’s market. The county provided $36,616 and the farmer’s market $20,000 toward the project that provided an indoor setting for the market.
