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Minister Mackay announces funding for the final phase of the Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site
May 5, 2012
PUGWASH, NS - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, together with Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, announced today funding for the final phase in the development of the Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site.
“Our government knows how important this development is to our community and to progressive thinkers around the world,” said Minister MacKay. “Thinkers’ Lodge has an international reputation as the place that brought together some of the world’s great scientific minds to work together in the cause of peace, winning a Nobel Peace Prize in the process. I’m proud to be part of a government that recognizes the importance of this site and works to preserve it.”
“The site is an important part of our local heritage and has brought international attention to this beautiful community,” said MP Armstrong. “Our government’s top priority is economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity, and this investment will generate new local and international opportunities for a world-class attraction in our region.”
The development will proceed with $535,000 in assistance from the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The project will include infrastructure upgrades to the Lobster Factory Building to provide on-site meeting space, interpretation of the site’s historic significance, and development of communications and marketing materials.
The Government of Nova Scotia is also investing $200,000 in this project to support the employment of contractors and trades people in the Cumberland and surrounding regions of Nova Scotia, along with $100,000 from the Municipality of the County of Cumberland and $50,000 from the Pugwash Park Commission.
“This project is a shining example of how jobsHere, the plan to grow our economy, is supporting communities across our province," said Cumberland and North MLA Brian Skabar on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. “Our investment is creating good jobs in rural Nova Scotia and allowing visitors and residents alike to continue to utilize and enjoy this historic landmark.”
“Cumberland County is fortunate to be so rich in natural beauty and history,” said Keith Hunter, Warden of the County of Cumberland. “One day we hope to see Thinkers’ Lodge earn a UNESCO World Heritage designation, like the Joggins Fossil Cliffs on Chignecto Bay.”
“The Cumberland RDA is pleased to continue leading the work on this final phase of this internationally recognized site,” said Dale Fawthrop, chair of the Cumberland RDA’s board. “Enhancement to the Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site was identified in the Pugwash Community Master Plan, which recognized this site as a means of stimulating the local economy.”
FOR BROADCAST USE:
National Defence Minister Peter MacKay and MP Scott Armstrong announced today that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, will contribute $535,000 for the final phase in the development of the Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site.
The Thinkers’ Lodge and an adjacent Lobster Factory Building in Pugwash will add a meeting space, interpretation area and provide communication and marketing materials.
In 1957 Thinker’s Lodge was the site of the first Conference on Science and World Affairs hosted by industrialist Cyrus Eaton. The event led to the awarding of a Nobel Peace Prize in 1995.
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INFORMATION:
Christopher Brooks
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790/902- 789-5184 (cell)
Email: Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Ron Robinson
Development Field Officer-Community & Communications
Cumberland Regional Development Authority
902-667-3638
Email: ronr@creda.net