ADEDA News

The big news last week was the release of the South West Transportation Study by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The eagerly awaited report examined the role of our area’s existing transportation system and the bulk of the Study – and of immediate concern to Annapolis Digby – centered on how the future our regional transportation infrastructure relates to the area’s ferry services.

The study consultants reported that, in spite of changes in usage over the past number of years, local communities and industries strongly believed the ferry services to be an integral part of the regional transportation network and economy.

Fundy Service Essential Trade Link
This is particularly true for the ferry service between Digby and Saint John, New Brunswick. The fact that the ACOA study acknowledged that of the number of options tabled, the Bay of Fundy service had the best current cost/benefit ratio was welcomed by top government and business leaders on both sides of the Bay. Jim Thurber, Warden of the Municipality of Digby and Chair of the Bay of Fundy Transportation Coalition, had been leading an active regional business and community group for a number of years dedicated to communicating the need for continued and improved service.

The continuing case for the Digby-Saint John marine commercial corridor was also supported in an editorial at the end of last week in the region’s largest newspaper.

Port Day Focuses on Future
The day before the release of the ACOA transportation study a near capacity crowd at the town’s Heritage Centre gathered for Digby Port Day to hear roster of top speakers discuss the opportunities that could be met by present and future marine facilities and our location on the Bay of Fundy. The presenters discussed the Bay’s rising profile as a global tourism and alternative energy option, as well as the importance of existing commercial services. The special keynote speaker, area Member of Parliament Greg Kerr emphasised that continuing community involvement was essential to pursuing our goals.

A Boatload of New Ideas
And opportunities to propose new paradigms for our marine resources weren’t confined to just the discussions at Port day. Area residents were informed that they could still make their views known on issues affecting Nova Scotia's coastline by providing feedback on the State of Nova Scotia's Coast report and the development of Nova Scotia's Coastal Strategy. The provincial government announced that it had extended the deadline for comments to Friday, July 18 and you can participate by visiting the website for the report at www.gov.ns.ca/coast to access the online questionnaire.

One innovative new coastline concept attracted national radio and print media last week when a Halifax environmental group linked with five area fishermen to launch Atlantic Canada’s first community supported fishery. It’s a bold idea in sustainable resource management that could benefit both harvesters and the consumers.

And back on dry land Annapolis Municipality Warden Peter Newton announced that the District would be targeting receipt of provincial energy funding to continue to pursue initiatives designed to reduce our energy consumption to more sustainable levels.

A Hall of Fame Career
As you know it is often my wont to put faces on the many achievements that celebrate the winning ways of life in Annapolis Digby. Last week it was a young golfer from Digby who won the national university women’s championship and just beginning promising future. This week the spotlight swings to the other margin of a successful athletic career with the recognition given to Weymouth native Gary Sabean who was announced as one of this year’s inductees into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.

Out and about
What with the timing of Canada Day last week offering up the prospect of a four day weekend, family and I took the opportunity to take in some of the community events that have been popping up all over Annapolis Digby like lupines – and fortunately scheduled to continue on much longer. As residents of a lovely seaside locale we took in the annual Smiths Cove Day festivities, which featured great food and good fellowship – especially the return of our many seasonal friends from the USA – as well as this year meeting new neighbors from Europe. Our day kicked off with a breakfast at the Fire Hall, followed later in the day by a sandwich-laden “tea” at the Museum/Community Centre. If you’re in our area make an effort to get out to our community events (especially the weekly “Firemen’s Breakfasts” scheduled around the area). They’re great gatherings serving great causes.

Till next week;

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