ADEDA News

Peter MacLellan

One of the things you get to do on these occasions is to check out how other communities welcome visitors and make the travel experience more interesting and inviting. There's a whole new breed of traveller these days who want more than just a pretty place to visit with static exhibits and basic services. Like them I wanted the journey to be an "experience", one where I felt welcome and engaged.

That's why it was interesting to note the past week the ways that our businesses and tourism industry planners in Annapolis Digby were getting ahead of that experiential travel curve in putting out the regional welcome mat for visitors.

Come On In!
When highly regarded international tourism consultant Roger Brooks came to our area to study and propose ways to improve our services, one of the recommendations was to create more inviting streetscapes and facilities appearance by local businesses. The study and subsequent report was facilitated by ADEDA, and follow-up sessions have been held with businesses in both Annapolis Royal and Digby to discuss ways to act on the recommendations. In Annapolis Royal ADEDA coordinated a business makeover contest to illustrate how good looks can mean good business. And there was also ample evidence in Digby that the message was being well understood and received as well.

Back to the Future
And that experiential tourism option will get no better illustration than when history comes alive in ways that you can see, feel, smell and maybe even touch in Annapolis Royal very shortly. The 84th Regiment of Foot, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highland Emigrants are coming to Fort Anne National Historic Park very shortly. This is a living history re-enactment of a military encampment during the American Revolution, and it will be at Fort Anne on July 30th. It's a great chance for local families as well as visitors to experience directly the every day feel of an 18th century military encampment - and it'll be anything but static. And speaking of experiential tourism, folks in Annapolis Royal; also got to inhale the aroma of both fine wines and lovely roses recently at a Historic Gardens event. If you missed that chance, fear not - and stay tuned - there's a similar opportunity in the offing.

Old Friends Seek New Opportunities
A strong relationship that goes back a couple of centuries doesn't mean that it can't look to an even more exciting future. The Premier of the Province of Nova Scotia and the Governor of the State of Maine underlined that fact - as well as a new document - when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on renewable oceans energy development. Nova Scotia and Maine have always had a strong relationship in many areas ranging from businesses connections to longstanding family ties. This new MOU recognizes the tremendous opportunities now before both jurisdictions in the emerging fields of tidal energy and wind power, as well as new technology development.

Shared Interests Bridge the Gulf
As if to pave the way for the recent MOU signing between the governments of Nova Scotia and Maine, a group of local students and adults joined with their peers from the United States recently to discuss the present and future health of the Gulf of Maine and its international watershed. The occasion was the 10th anniversary of the Gulf of Maine Institute, held at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre in Cornwallis Park, and shared environmental projects were at the top of the agenda.

Busier Than Ever
The Bay of Fundy is still very much in play in other areas these days. While political leaders signed development research agreements, and environmentalists young and old from both sides of the border worked to preserve its natural features, the Bay's transportation workhorse was busier than ever. The Princess of Acadia, the ferry that traverses the waters of the Fundy between Digby and Saint John, New Brunswick, has been having a hard working summer. And the fact that the "Acadia" has been so busy this year has our community leaders pointing out that this certainly underlines the growing and essential business case for this marine service, and expressing the hope that plans for improvements in equipment and capacity are in the near future.

Cyclists get the Green Light
While a traditional sea ferry service was getting busier than ever, a newly rediscovered form of land based transit just got a new boost. Bicycle riders in our area got, excuse the expression but I couldn't resist, a "leg up" recently. Cyclists in the towns of Annapolis Royal and Bridgetown will benefit from a newly announced provincial program to develop infrastructure aimed at active and more sustainable transportation.

Happy Trails
As I mentioned at the outset, I've been travelling for family reasons. No one told me to "take a hike". But if they did I'd probably head for the Delap's Cove Wilderness Trail this week. It's the 25th anniversary this year for the Bohaker Falls at the Trail and there are a several special events to mark it, with the first one is on the 21st. And there's another on August 15 if you can't make that. But you can go anytime - it's a terrific outdoor experience. I first discovered this gem 12 years ago when we took our new puppy for a walk. He escaped, still dragging his leash through the woods and thus causing great concern. We found him shortly, happy but thirsty. He probably won't be making it with us this year, he's older and minds the heat. Sadly I'm the same way in both aspects - but I know what I'd be missing. So maybe we'll see you on the Trail.

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

We invite you to visit us anytime at www.annapolisdigby.com.