CREDA File

Welcome to the CREDA File, a monthly column on economic development issues and activities in Cumberland County from the files of the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association - published monthly in the Citizen newspaper.

June, 2007

 

CREDA and the Joggins Fossil Institute have re-opened the original Joggins Fossil Centre, which was operated for many years by Don Reid of Joggins. The Centre will include a small fossil display and a temporary satellite office of the Joggins Fossil Institute. A gift shop will be open during July and August offering a small number of items for sale.

Weekend tours of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs are available, by appointment, on Saturdays and Sundays by calling the Centre at 251-2727. The Centre will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily until June 30th, and between Labour Day and the end of the season. Between July 1 and September 4, it will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The re-opening of the original Joggins Fossil Centre will ensure that visitors to the Fossil Cliffs will have the information they require while construction continues on a new interpretive and research centre to showcase what is considered the world’s richest and most significant Coal Age fossil site. Construction of the 13,000 square foot fossil centre is anticipated to be completed by early fall 2007. The new centre will house a gift shop, a laboratory and exhibition space devoted to the significance of the cliffs. It will also boast the best collection in the world of carboniferous fossils, thanks to local collector Don Reid who has donated his entire collection to the Joggins Fossil Institute.

More than $9-million has been committed to plan and build the new Joggins Fossil Cliffs Centre and improve beach access and safety at the cliffs. Key funding partners include the federal government, through ACOA; the provincial government, through the department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage; and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland. The project also has the generous support of Parks Canada and the Nova Scotia Departments of Natural Resources and Economic Development.

Still undecided about what to do on your vacation this summer? There are many exciting day trip options available right here in Cumberland County that will enable residents and visitors alike to experience our natural beauty in places like Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, the Parrsboro area, and Wentworth. A number of healthy, active, and fun outdoor events are being held in these and other provincial parks and special places as part of the 2007 Parks are for People program.

Two Parks are for People events are scheduled for this month, with the first one coming up on Saturday, June 16th at Wentworth Provincial Park. Explore different bird habitats between Wentworth and Amherst, including the Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary with Clarence Stevens, Sr. of the Nova Scotia Bird Society. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the entrance to Wentworth Provincial Park on Highway 4. Expect to see between 70 and 100 species of birds. Not suitable for children or dogs. Bring a lunch, boots and fly repellent. For more information, contact Clarence at (902) 464-1664.

On Saturday, June 23 Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Advocate Harbour will host its first of eight Parks are for People events. Join Nature Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Bird Society for a moderate to difficult nature hike from Red Rocks to McGahey Brook. Along the way observe plants and birds of the area and have lunch on the beach. Bring a lunch and drinking water. Wear hiking boots, a hat, and suitable clothing for both woodland and beach. You may also want to bring a camera, binoculars, hand lens, sunscreen and insect repellant. Not suitable for younger children. Meet at 8 a.m. at the park parking lot in West Advocate. Rain date is June 24. To pre-register contact Joan Czapalay at (902) 405-4157 or phone the park at 392-2085.

The Fundy Geological Museum will host a number of interpretive walks throughout the summer beginning on Canada Day, July1st at 10:00 a.m. with the first of three Red Rocks to McGahee Brook Interpretive Walks at Cape Chignecto. Join a museum interpreter at Red Rocks for an educational walk across the Cobequid-Chebucto Fault Zone. For more information contact the museum at 1-866-856-DINO.

Parks are for People is a cooperative effort by government agencies, recreation clubs, community organizations, and interested individuals. It is coordinated by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by a number of individuals and organizations, including CREDA.

If you have any questions or want further information regarding CREDA call 667-3638. CREDA is Quality System registered to ISO 9001:2000.