Investments in Yarmouth ferry terminal to build local tourism and business opportunities

YARMOUTH, NS, Sept. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia recognize that strategic investments in public infrastructure?including funding for culture and tourism projects?play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs that help grow the middle class and Canadian businesses.

Today, Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Zach Churchill, Nova Scotia Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Member of Legislative Assembly for Yarmouth,  Pam Mood, Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth; Leland Anthony, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth and Richard Donaldson, Warden of the Municipality of Argyle announced more than $9.7 million in joint funding towards the phase one redevelopment of the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal.  

The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are both contributing up to $3 million through the Small Communities Fund. The Town of Yarmouth, the Municipality of Yarmouth and Municipality of Argyle will contribute the remainder of project funding.

Work includes upgrading and relocating passenger inspection line booths, replacing the pontoon and transfer bridge, and improving overall terminal facilities such as external lighting and passenger waiting areas.

Once complete, the redeveloped ferry terminal will establish the port of Yarmouth as an international tourist destination, improve visitor experience, and provide new economic opportunities for businesses in the area and across southern Nova Scotia.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada understands that strategic investments in infrastructure are crucial to increasing tourism and driving economic growth. These essential upgrades to the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal will position Nova Scotia as a more welcoming and accessible destination for tourists, while helping local businesses to create jobs, grow and prosper."

Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"I'm pleased to see cooperation between the federal and provincial governments for the benefit of Nova Scotians. Supporting regions with funding for critical items like the Yarmouth Ferry has had a very positive impact on our region's local tourism operators, small businesses and the economy of Nova Scotia as a whole. This investment will assist our efforts to attract tourists from the eastern seaboard and strengthen our economy."

The Honourable Zach Churchill, Nova Scotia Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Member of Legislative Assembly for Yarmouth, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Porter, NS Minister of Municipal Affairs 

"We are excited to partner with the Province and Federal Government on this tremendously vital piece of infrastructure.  The return of the ferry continues to be the catalyst for much economic growth in our region and the Town knows the importance of providing a proper space going forward.  Thank you to all who have made this project possible."

Pam Mood, Mayor, Town of Yarmouth

"The Municipality of Yarmouth's investment in the Nova Scotia-Maine ferry service through upgrades to the Yarmouth terminal signifies a continued partnership with Regional, Provincial & Federal partners as well as the private sector.  Phase 1 of the Yarmouth terminal redevelopment demonstrates a commitment to Canada Border Services and Bay Ferries that local government is investment ready.  We are very pleased with today's announcement and look forward to the next phases."

Leland Anthony, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth

"The ferry terminal is an important regional investment for our county and we are pleased to be a funding partner in securing important transportation infrastructure for the region and the Province"

Richard Donaldson, Warden of the Municipality of Argyle

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• More than $10.1 billion of this funding will support trade and transportation projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• These investments complement the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a 2-year federal-provincial action plan aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region through five priority areas:
• Skilled workforce/Immigration;
• Innovation;
• Clean growth and climate change;
• Trade and investment;
• Infrastructure.

Associated links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ns-eng.html

Atlantic Growth Strategy: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/ags-sca/Eng/atlantic-growth.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada