Visitors come to Atlantic Canada to experience its rich seafaring history and beautiful coastal communities. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in key public infrastructure along the Lunenburg waterfront to help position the local tourism industry for a strong, swift recovery.
Historic Zwicker & Co. Warehouse to become multi-purpose space
June 24, 2021 · Lunenburg, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Visitors come to Atlantic Canada to experience its rich seafaring history and beautiful coastal communities. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in key public infrastructure along the Lunenburg waterfront to help position the local tourism industry for a strong, swift recovery.
Federal government supports tourism on the Lunenburg Waterfront
Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets, announced a non-repayable contribution of $600,000 to Develop Nova Scotia for renovations to the Zwicker & Co. Warehouse. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The Province of Nova Scotia also contributed $1.2 million toward this project.
This contribution supports the renovation of the Zwicker & Co. Warehouse into a multi-functional space that will operate year-round. The upgrades will attract new businesses, increase visitor foot traffic, and contribute to the overall tourism offering in Lunenburg.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to boost local tourism and promote Atlantic Canada’s unique places, experiences and businesses.
Minister Jordan also announced today that Fisheries and Oceans Canada will begin advance planning for the reconstruction of the Lunenburg Railway Wharf. This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to renewing its network of small craft harbours, which are vital parts of communities and local economies from coast to coast to coast.
“Our message to the tourism industry is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures and we’re here for you as you begin the road to recovery. This investment will enhance the region’s capacity to deliver premium visitor experiences, and prepare for the return of visitors from home and abroad.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“After a year like no other, Atlantic Canada is opening up, construction season is underway, and Canadians are excited about our future. Our government’s investments in the renovation of the Zwicker & Co. Warehouse and planning for the Railway Wharf reconstruction will get Nova Scotians back to work, upgrade critical community infrastructure, grow our local Blue Economy, and help Lunenburg’s tourism and fishing industries build back better.”
– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets
“With the provincial investment, we are ensuring that one of the oldest buildings on Lunenburg’s working waterfront will continue to enhance the authentic experience. These important renovations include permanent accessible marine visitation facilities for example, small business opportunities and ways for the public to learn about boatbuilding.”
– The Honourable Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage
“Authentic, inclusive places like Lunenburg and its working waterfront are magnetic to people: to experience, to live, and to invest. With the support of our partners and community like the Province, ACOA, the Town of Lunenburg and the Lunenburg Waterfront Association, we are seeing the co-created waterfront master plan continue to come to life. Revitalization projects such as Zwicker & Co. Warehouse are shaping opportunities for today and future generations.”
– Jennifer Angel, President & CEO, Develop Nova Scotia
The Zwicker & Co. Warehouse, one of the oldest buildings on the Lunenburg waterfront, was built in 1789 and has three floors with a combined 12,500 square feet of space. The building also has a large wharf and dock area on the waterfront side to allow for marine visitors.
The project involves necessary repairs to modernize the building, including mechanical and HVAC systems, new windows, doors and public amenities, and additions to make the building wheelchair accessible.
The multi-functional space will house marine visitor services, business tenants, community events, and waterfront tourism attractions. Renovations are anticipated to be complete this summer. Develop Nova Scotia is expected to go to market with opportunities this fall.
The provincial investment supports Develop Nova Scotia’s strategy.
This project is part of the Lunenburg Waterfront master plan, in collaboration with the Lunenburg community. The plan aims to revitalize the working waterfront, provide the public and visitors with access to the waterfront as well as an opportunity to experience and safely immerse themselves in the traditional and modern marine-based industry.
Approximately 415,000 people visited Lunenburg by land in 2019 and 176 vessels visited the Lunenburg marina.
Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca
Kelly Rose
Senior Communications Manager
Develop Nova Scotia
902-222-6297
media@developns.ca
Chris Brooks
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca