Federal and provincial governments are stepping up to keep heritage shipbuilding alive.
The two levels are contributing $1.5 million dollars to refurbish and enhance the Big Boat Shed in Lunenburg.
The Big Boat Shed will receive a million dollars from the province and half a million in federal funding to restore and develop the structure.
Province contributing $1 million of $1.5 million for restoration and redesign of Big Boat Shed in @TownLunenburgNS @SuzanneLCNS #tourism #boatbuilding pic.twitter.com/XMbBrK662Q
— Ed Halverson (@edwardhalverson) April 18, 2019
President and CEO of Develop Nova Scotia Jennifer Angel says the renovations align with what they’ve heard over numerous public consultations.
“It’s an example of how the working waterfront with the neighbouring lower shipyard, very much a marine-industrial space, can be married with the visitor access.”
The access will involve the construction of a viewing deck where the public can watch vessels being built using traditional methods.
South Shore – St.Margaret’s MP Bernadette Jordan says it’s important to preserve the history.
“We’re going to be able to have people learning traditional ways in the Big Boat Shed. I think it’s a really great project. Part of our past but definitely part of our future.”
The Big Boat Shed in @TownLunenburgNS gets facelift thanks to $1.5 million in federal and provincial funding. Structure to be repaired & viewing deck to be built over 2 phases. Aims to highlight traditional boat building. #NSpoli @SuzanneLCNS @BernJordanMP #boatbuilding #tourism pic.twitter.com/9nY09MC8uf
— Ed Halverson (@edwardhalverson) April 18, 2019
Shipbuilding will continue during the renovations.
Angel expects all phases of construction will be complete by summer 2021.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
