NS: Feds invest more than $1M in tourism technology project
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, May 13, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — The tourism industry in Atlantic Canada will benefit from a renewed joint investment of more than $1 million from the federal government over the next three years to support the TourismTechnology.com program (also known as TT.com).
Established in 2000, the program is designed to encourage the adoption of technology within the tourism sector. It is the result of a partnership involving the Government of Canada, through ACOA, the four Atlantic provincial governments, and the four provincial tourism industry associations. The focus of the program is on education and helping tourism operators make well-informed decisions about their business practices and secure the significant business benefits tied to the increase use and integration of technology in their operations.
Over the next three years, the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is contributing $495,000 toward the project. The Atlantic provinces are contributing a total of $300,000, of which the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage is contributing $75,000. As well, the four provincial tourism industry associations are contributing a total of $261,000.
The TourismTechnology.com project employs four technology resource coordinators (TRC), one in each Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Association office. Each TRC is trained to evaluate the existing online presence of a tourism business, and to create a checklist or strategy to help tourism operators move to the next level in technology adoption and online marketing practices.
“The TourismTechnology.com program is a great resource to help our tourism industry operators in Atlantic Canada understand new and changing technologies available, to bring more visitors to Atlantic Canada,” said Don Cudmore, Secretariat for TourismTechnology.com. “This program will ensure that our industry is keeping up with all the current and future consumer trends and we will be better prepared to move the tourism industry in Atlantic Canada forward to meet these new challenges.”
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Fly a Kite for Energy
Deep Green underwater kite to generate electricity (w/ Video)
May 11, 2010 by Lin Edwards Enlarge
The Deep Green technology converts energy from tidal stream flows into electricity by way of a novel principle, somewhat similar to the posture of a wind kite. Image credit: Minesto
(PhysOrg.com) -- An underwater tidal turbine called an “underwater kite” has just secured finance from investors to ensure its 2011 tests can go ahead.
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The turbine, known as “Deep Green” was developed by a privately-owned Swedish/UK company, Minesto, and is intended to be tethered 100 meters above the sea bottom. It has a wingspan of 12 meters and a turbine one meter in diameter. The “kite” comprises a wing with a rudder to steer the turbine to face in the direction that will allow it to capture the maximum amount of tidal energy, and generate up to 500 kW of electricity. The kite flies in a figure eight and travels 10 times faster than the water it is tethered in.
Ted Rosendahl, chief technical officer with Minesto, said the design will enable Deep Green to operate efficiently at greater depths and with lower current velocities than other tidal energy generators, which opens up new areas of the sea for tidal power generation, increasing the market potential by 80 percent, according to Minesto. Deep Green’s unique ability to work in deep water where there is low velocity water movement means it can operate cost effectively in areas otherwise unavailable for power generation.
There are two major types of tidal energy generator installations at present: one is the tidal barrage, which works in a similar way to a hydroelectric power station, and the other uses the flow of the tide and works in a similar way to wind power installations. In comparison with other tidal systems Deep Green is lightweight and much smaller, which translates to lower manufacturing costs.
The company will receive two million Euros (around 2.5 m USD) in investment funding, which will enable it to test a 1:4 scale prototype off the coast of Northern Ireland in 2011. The test site, at Strangford Lough, County Down is the location of a tidal generator owned by the UK company SeaGen. If the Deep Green trials are successful, the next step will be to test a full-scale demonstration plant consisting of up to 10 kites. Financing needed for this stage is expected to be around 40 million Euros.
Rosendahl said the company hopes a full-scale Deep Green generator will be commercially available within the next four years, adding to the available options for renewable energy sources. Tidal energy generation is usually more expensive than wind or solar power, but the predictability of the tides compensates for the extra initial cost, because unlike solar and wind energy, the tides operate every day of the year. Minesto says its Deep Green project is expected to be “very competitive in comparison with traditional electricity production.”
Minesto was formed in 2007 for the purpose of developing tidal power generators. Deep Green began as a Saab Group project in 2003, and Minesto was formed as a spin-off company.
May 11, 2010 by Lin Edwards Enlarge
The Deep Green technology converts energy from tidal stream flows into electricity by way of a novel principle, somewhat similar to the posture of a wind kite. Image credit: Minesto
(PhysOrg.com) -- An underwater tidal turbine called an “underwater kite” has just secured finance from investors to ensure its 2011 tests can go ahead.
Ads by Google
Solar Panel Ontario FIT - Meet local content requirement Unbeatable Price. Available Now - www.grapesolar.com
The turbine, known as “Deep Green” was developed by a privately-owned Swedish/UK company, Minesto, and is intended to be tethered 100 meters above the sea bottom. It has a wingspan of 12 meters and a turbine one meter in diameter. The “kite” comprises a wing with a rudder to steer the turbine to face in the direction that will allow it to capture the maximum amount of tidal energy, and generate up to 500 kW of electricity. The kite flies in a figure eight and travels 10 times faster than the water it is tethered in.
Ted Rosendahl, chief technical officer with Minesto, said the design will enable Deep Green to operate efficiently at greater depths and with lower current velocities than other tidal energy generators, which opens up new areas of the sea for tidal power generation, increasing the market potential by 80 percent, according to Minesto. Deep Green’s unique ability to work in deep water where there is low velocity water movement means it can operate cost effectively in areas otherwise unavailable for power generation.
There are two major types of tidal energy generator installations at present: one is the tidal barrage, which works in a similar way to a hydroelectric power station, and the other uses the flow of the tide and works in a similar way to wind power installations. In comparison with other tidal systems Deep Green is lightweight and much smaller, which translates to lower manufacturing costs.
The company will receive two million Euros (around 2.5 m USD) in investment funding, which will enable it to test a 1:4 scale prototype off the coast of Northern Ireland in 2011. The test site, at Strangford Lough, County Down is the location of a tidal generator owned by the UK company SeaGen. If the Deep Green trials are successful, the next step will be to test a full-scale demonstration plant consisting of up to 10 kites. Financing needed for this stage is expected to be around 40 million Euros.
Rosendahl said the company hopes a full-scale Deep Green generator will be commercially available within the next four years, adding to the available options for renewable energy sources. Tidal energy generation is usually more expensive than wind or solar power, but the predictability of the tides compensates for the extra initial cost, because unlike solar and wind energy, the tides operate every day of the year. Minesto says its Deep Green project is expected to be “very competitive in comparison with traditional electricity production.”
Minesto was formed in 2007 for the purpose of developing tidal power generators. Deep Green began as a Saab Group project in 2003, and Minesto was formed as a spin-off company.
Labels:
tidal power renewable energy
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
SW Awards Nominations
In follow up to the Board meeting and our discussions surrounding the Southwest Awards, I have received the following for names/businesses for nominations:
Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley -
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores – Wedgeport Sport Tuna Fishing Museum
South Shore –
Partnership Award – Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership
Sustainable Tourism Award – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Please feel free to circulate the attached documents and nominate a person/business from your region. Deadline to submit nominations is 4pm today.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at (902) 634-8844 or email jjoudrey@dswna.com
Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley -
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores – Wedgeport Sport Tuna Fishing Museum
South Shore –
Partnership Award – Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership
Sustainable Tourism Award – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Please feel free to circulate the attached documents and nominate a person/business from your region. Deadline to submit nominations is 4pm today.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at (902) 634-8844 or email jjoudrey@dswna.com
Labels:
SW Nova Scotia awards
Flower and Bake Sale
Flower and Bake Sale - Sunday, May 30
Flora Doehler | May 11, 2010 at 3:36 pm | Categories: Bear River Board of Trade, Uncategorized, fundraiser, gardening | URL: http://wp.me/pfgTD-6V
Join your friends and neighbours at the Annual Perennial and Bake Sale on May 30th from noon until 2 pm at the Firehall in Bear River. This event is a fundraiser for the Bear River Board of Trade.
Flora Doehler | May 11, 2010 at 3:36 pm | Categories: Bear River Board of Trade, Uncategorized, fundraiser, gardening | URL: http://wp.me/pfgTD-6V
Join your friends and neighbours at the Annual Perennial and Bake Sale on May 30th from noon until 2 pm at the Firehall in Bear River. This event is a fundraiser for the Bear River Board of Trade.
Labels:
Bear River
Monday, May 10, 2010
Destination SW Nova AGM
Have your say Charting our Course Forward!
Destination Southwest Nova Association
AGM & Conference, May 12 & 13, 2010
White Point Beach Resort
Charting our Course Forward - have your say in the direction of DSWNA
Conference Program & Schedule
Registration Form - deadline Monday May 10th at 4:00pm
Southwest Award Nominations - deadline Monday May 10th at 4:00pm
Award Criteria
Nomination Form
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Charting our Course Forward"
At the DSWNA AGM & Conference this week there will be a session/discussion on the course and direction of DSWNA moving forward. This is an industry engagement session focused on building partnerships and growing tourism in the region. These are a few questions that industry operators should reflect upon and bring responses to the session:
As a partner, what 5 services/actions do you feel DSWNA is doing well?
Which 5 services/actions do you feel DSWNA is not doing well?
What do you feel is/should the role of DSWNA be moving forward?
What do you expect as a partner?
Please register for this session by calling (902) 634-8844 by 4:00pm, Monday May 10th
AGM & Conference Information
This years Annual General Meeting and Conference will take place on May 12 & 13 at White Point Beach Resort. The conference program features a municipal tourism summit, marketing update and Nova Scotia partnership opportunities as well as several educational sessions such as Events Nova Scotia, Canada Games 2011, Adventures in Taste, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, New7Wonders of Nature and more. The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 1:30 on May 13 when the 2010/2011 DSWNA Board of Directors will be selected. To register for the DSWNA AGM and Conference please complete and return this form by Monday May 10th at 4:00pm.
Southwest Award Nominations
Nominate a deserving business in Southwest Nova Scotia for an award that will be presented on Wednesday May 12th, 2010 as part of the DSWNA Annual Meeting and Conference. Award categories include: Regional Awards, Partnership Award and Sustainable Practices Award. Submit your nomination form by Monday May 10th at 4:00pm, click here for the award criteria.
Destination Southwest Nova Association
AGM & Conference, May 12 & 13, 2010
White Point Beach Resort
Charting our Course Forward - have your say in the direction of DSWNA
Conference Program & Schedule
Registration Form - deadline Monday May 10th at 4:00pm
Southwest Award Nominations - deadline Monday May 10th at 4:00pm
Award Criteria
Nomination Form
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Charting our Course Forward"
At the DSWNA AGM & Conference this week there will be a session/discussion on the course and direction of DSWNA moving forward. This is an industry engagement session focused on building partnerships and growing tourism in the region. These are a few questions that industry operators should reflect upon and bring responses to the session:
As a partner, what 5 services/actions do you feel DSWNA is doing well?
Which 5 services/actions do you feel DSWNA is not doing well?
What do you feel is/should the role of DSWNA be moving forward?
What do you expect as a partner?
Please register for this session by calling (902) 634-8844 by 4:00pm, Monday May 10th
AGM & Conference Information
This years Annual General Meeting and Conference will take place on May 12 & 13 at White Point Beach Resort. The conference program features a municipal tourism summit, marketing update and Nova Scotia partnership opportunities as well as several educational sessions such as Events Nova Scotia, Canada Games 2011, Adventures in Taste, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, New7Wonders of Nature and more. The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 1:30 on May 13 when the 2010/2011 DSWNA Board of Directors will be selected. To register for the DSWNA AGM and Conference please complete and return this form by Monday May 10th at 4:00pm.
Southwest Award Nominations
Nominate a deserving business in Southwest Nova Scotia for an award that will be presented on Wednesday May 12th, 2010 as part of the DSWNA Annual Meeting and Conference. Award categories include: Regional Awards, Partnership Award and Sustainable Practices Award. Submit your nomination form by Monday May 10th at 4:00pm, click here for the award criteria.
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
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
Labels:
Annapolis Digby
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Body Beautiful
Date: Wed May 5, 2010 9:29 am ((PDT))
************************************************************************
The Dalhousie Women's Centre Presents:
THE BODY BEAUTIFUL: an evening celebrating Nova Scotia?s women to benefit
Eating Disorders Action Group and the SMU Women?s Centre?s TRUST WOMEN
Conference.
Join us for an evening of food, music, spoken word, and song as we celebrate
women and their bodies in our community.
When: THURSDAY May 6th
Where: North Street Church
When: Shows starts at 7pm/ Doors Open at 6:30
Tickets cost $10 and includes a FREE Vegan/Veggie meal and beverage. Door
prizes, give aways.
Featuring: Jenocide, Hot Yoga, Breagh Potter, Erica Kulnys, Ann Denny,
DJ Anderoc an Open Mic and More!
*********************************
Dalhousie Women's Centre
6286 South Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1T8
Tel: (902) 494-2432
Email: dwc@dal.ca
Web: http://www.dalwomenscentre.ca
*********************************
************************************************************************
The Dalhousie Women's Centre Presents:
THE BODY BEAUTIFUL: an evening celebrating Nova Scotia?s women to benefit
Eating Disorders Action Group and the SMU Women?s Centre?s TRUST WOMEN
Conference.
Join us for an evening of food, music, spoken word, and song as we celebrate
women and their bodies in our community.
When: THURSDAY May 6th
Where: North Street Church
When: Shows starts at 7pm/ Doors Open at 6:30
Tickets cost $10 and includes a FREE Vegan/Veggie meal and beverage. Door
prizes, give aways.
Featuring: Jenocide, Hot Yoga, Breagh Potter, Erica Kulnys, Ann Denny,
DJ Anderoc an Open Mic and More!
*********************************
Dalhousie Women's Centre
6286 South Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1T8
Tel: (902) 494-2432
Email: dwc@dal.ca
Web: http://www.dalwomenscentre.ca
*********************************
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