Image: Martin LeBlanc
The federal government announced Tuesday it is investing more than $832,000 to help the Friends of Fundy create more opportunities for tourism in Atlantic Canada.
Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor and New Brunswick Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch made the announcement at the Holy Whale Beer Hall in Riverview on behalf of federal Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly.
“Tourism is vital to our economy,” said Joly in a release. “Investments like the ones announced today help our tourism partners create new opportunities for communities, businesses and operators, positioning the industry – and the region – for a swift recovery.”
The funding comes from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. The initiative aims to support projects that promote economic development, business development, growth and innovation.
The support will help fund two separate projects by the Friends of Fundy, a non-profit that promotes the enjoyment of Fundy National Park and other regions, to attract more visitors to the region.
The Mountain Bike Atlantic Project, which began in 2019, aims to promote Atlantic Canada as a top-tier mountain biking destination. Ottawa is putting $437,783 towards the second phase of the project.
The Rural Upper Bay of Fundy Destination project will allow the organization to come up with a strategic regional tourism plan to create new sustainable revenue. The federal government contributed a non-repayable contribution of $296,175, while the province invested $98,725.
Micha Fardy, executive director at the Friends of Fundy, said in an interview Tuesday the organization is grateful for the support received from its provincial and federal partners. She believes when communities tell their stories, it plays into an experience that people look for.
“Every community has a unique contribution to that regional experience,” said Fardy. “So how are we tapping in and recognizing and getting better at telling those unique, amazing stories of each individual community so that it plays up into this great regional experience?”
Fardy said the role of the Friends of Fundy is to support both of the projects. She says a lot of work has already gone into each initiative, which includes support from community partners.
“Our hope is by really having it ingrained in community, it’s accessible and we can learn from that,” said Fardy. “I can’t say enough just how great it is to work with so many partners who are ready for this.”
Aaron Sousa is a summer intern for Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
Follow
