OREANDA-NEWS. July 15, 2016. Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, marked the completion of phase three of a downtown revitalization project in the Town of Trenton today during the Jessie Smith Memorial Mayor’s Tea & Opening Ceremonies at the community’s FunFest celebrations.

Phase three of the project supported the creation of the new Open-Air Activity Centre, across from Town Hall, and the redevelopment of a Trenton-built train caboose to be used, in the future, as a satellite museum. The work was supported with a non-repayable investment of \\$72,808 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

As the kick-off venue for the community’s four-day FunFest, the new Open-Air Activity Centre will also play host to other community festivals, talent showcases, and weekly flea and farmers’ markets. The space is available, at no charge, for use by local artists, performers, vendors and other community members.

The Government of Canada also supported the first two stages of the downtown revitalization project, which included engaging an engineer to develop a detailed plan to guide work; conducting streetscape improvements on Main Street between Smelt Brook and the northern end of the town; constructing two plazas at each end of Main Street; and installing interpretative panels throughout the area to showcase local history.

In total, the Government of Canada invested \\$768,509 in ICF funding in all three stages of the project.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is proud to support development efforts in rural communities. Through our Atlantic Growth Strategy, we will be working with the Atlantic Provinces to revitalize opportunities across the region. Whether that be through enhancements to infrastructure or by preserving and promoting local heritage, small communities like the Town of Trenton are crucial for Canada’s economic success.”

     - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

 “Reinvesting in the Town of Trenton demonstrates the Government of Canada’s continued support for rural communities. We’ve been there every step of the way throughout the Town’s revitalization efforts and I am eager to see the impact that these contributions will have on the quality of life for residents.”

      - Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova

“Residents have long known that this community is a great place to live, work and raise a family. By revitalizing our downtown, we are making this fact even more apparent. As this project comes to a close, we are pleased that this work has made our downtown area a more inviting and beautiful place, which encourages residents and visitors to meander and spend more time getting to know Trenton and our many shops and services.”  

     - Glen MacKinnon, Mayor of the Town of Trenton