ADEDA News

From ADEDA

Maybe it’s the glorious arrival of Spring here in Annapolis Digby that has heightened our eco-sensitivities, or maybe it was just a natural convergence of long simmering concerns, but whatever the reason environmental issues are hot topics these days. And in this area, which prides itself on being a pacesetter in developing an environmentally responsible lifestyle, the consequences of recent policy decisions have been closely monitored.

Georges Bank Drilling Closure Continued
In a much awaited – and sometimes hotly debated –m decision, the provincial government has decided to extend the ban on offshore exploration for oil and gas on Georges Bank for another three years. Arguably the richest marine harvesting area for our extensive local fishery, this decision has major implications. Undeniably the recent happenings in the Gulf of Mexico heightened everyone’s awareness of the issue, but this is controversy that has been argued is this area for a long time, and one that’s not likely to disappear.


Spray Baby? – Nay!
And back on dry land environmental policy decisions also impacted on local practices. The provincial government’s recent policy proposal to limit the use of pesticides for domestic purposes spurred neighbourhood debates. But the proposal has largely seemed to meet with general approval, as evidenced in the responses reported this week in the town of Digby.


Keep a Tab on This Young Lady
While global environmental issues dramatically rolled through our area’s land and seascapes recently, I was particularly taken by an individual initiative. One that reminds us of why we love to live here. It’s an environmental story, sure, but it’s even more a heart-warming chronicle of youthful social consciousness. Hat’s off to a young Weymouth grade three student who wouldn’t be denied in her efforts to help in her community.


"Extreme" Fun for All Ages
A sure sign of Spring in Annapolis Digby is the renewed bustle of activity taking place in and around Annapolis County’s Upper Clements Park. This year Park management plans to introduce a new feature for visitors to the popular family themed activity destination. The plan calls for the acquisition of 250 acres of crown land formerly used for a wildlife park to be developed as an “Adventure Park”. It’s another forward step for the Hanse Society responsible for the Park. They’ve done a tremendous job, posting a reported increase in visitors even during last summer’s sluggish tourism economy.


Reproduction of an 18th Century Map of Acadie Unveiled
Those planners at Upper Clements Park, looking forward to the new “Adventure” theme component can also look back to the past – literally. From the theme park’s grounds visitors can look to the shores of the Annapolis River, the location of Canada’s first permanent European settlement, founded in 1605. And the site of what was undeniably an “adventure” for those French settlers.

Recently that community was recognized at a provincial ceremony.

Acadian Affairs Minister Graham Steele unveiled a reproduction of an 18th century map of Acadie at Province House on May 12, with representatives from the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Société nationale de l'Acadie and Parks Canada.

The original map dates from 1757 and depicts several Acadian villages along the Annapolis River, and it also shows the Belleisle region during the time of the deportation of the Acadian people. Many of the surnames of Acadian families used to identify the villages in the map are present in Nova Scotia today. It is believed that a member of the British military created the map.

"The map holds great historical significance for the Acadian community and for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Steele. "I am pleased that the Speaker of the House of Assembly has granted an opportunity for future generations to appreciate its value."

"On behalf of the entire Acadian community of Nova Scotia, I would like to express our great pride in the knowledge that l'Acadie now has a place of honour in Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia," said Désiré Boudreau, president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse.

The Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse presented the map to Mr. Steele last October during its annual general meeting.

In signing off for this week I want to post another reminder of the Succession Planning Workshop, jointly partnered by the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) and the Acadia University Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship. The first session is scheduled to be held at the ADEDA offices on May 28.

And if you’re visiting Annapolis Digby this weekend, make sure you take part in what is definitely one of our area’s eagerly awaited Rites of Spring – the opening of the local farmers markets that will dot our communities from now until mid autumn. See our events listing for more details. One of the first to open will be the incredibly popular (just try and wend your way through the crowds) Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market, scheduled to welcome everyone back at 8 AM sharp this Saturday.

I’ll see you there (I’ll be the guy with the hapless grin holding the basket for the lovely lady who actually knows what she’s doing – and handles the money).

Till next week Kathleen...

Peter

Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0

Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com