ADEDA News

The Bay of Fundy, its natural beauty, incredibly complex and diverse ecosystems, its unique microclimate, its traditional natural resources – and its exciting new resource potential for tomorrow –undeniably defines our way of life in Annapolis Digby. So much so that we are prone to take it for granted.

The Pull of The Tides
However the world is coming to know what those of us have come to accept. The Bay of Fundy is now one of only 28 finalists, and Canada’s only remaining entry, in the global New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. This highly publicized challenge started with 441 locations nominated from around the world identified in 220 countries. Among the finalists with the Bay of Fundy are the Amazon Rainforest, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Kilimanjaro. We live along the shores of greatness.

When the First year is a Vintage Year
Our unique microclimate – a gift of the Bay of Fundy – can manifest itself in wonderful ways. One new benefit is seen in the emerging wine growing potential in Bear River. Long referred to as the “Switzerland of Nova Scotia” for its dramatic hilly terrain, the geography and weather are contributing to a new reputation. It’s not the Napa Valley – but maybe just wait.

Beverage Options Abound
While Bear River can tout its nascent wine industry, at the other end of Annapolis County a longer established source of liquid solace is finding new markets. The mineral waters of Spa Springs, used medicinally for centuries by the Mi’kmaq, and sought out by visiting 18th century notables, now is finding new life as an export to the European market.

Handover Planning
While we are intrigued and excited at the new business ventures that dot Annapolis Digby, there are also many longstanding, and continuously successful, commercial enterprises here. Since no business owner plans to work forever, the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency is partnering with Acadia University’s Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship to host a series of business succession planning workshops.



Healthy Options
The increasing range of available health care services in the area was showcased in the news this week. While folks in the Digby area were delighted with improved radiological services available in their area, nearby a new natural health option was being introduced.

Finally, all this focus on the Bay of Fundy has me committed to taking more advantage of our world ranked natural wonder. I have access to the shoreline and I’m going to get out on it more starting this week. For those of you who live here like I do and want to preserve this blessing, consider getting out to the upcoming consultations being scheduled by the government of Nova Scotia to discuss the critical issues facing our province’s coastline - there’s one being held in **Digby on May 11**. If you’re not lucky enough to have quick access to the Bay, consider exploring it on YouTube with the energetic and entertaining Terri McCulloch, Executive Director of Bay of Fundy Tourism, as she explores up and down the coast.

Peter McLellan