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.

March 2010

 

Thinkers’ Lodge in Pugwash is receiving some much needed TLC with stabilization and restoration work ongoing at the National Historic Site since November, 2009. This is the first phase of a collaborative, phased, long term project to restore the Thinkers’ Lodge and the Cyrus Eaton Estate.

Thinkers' Lodge was designated a National Historic Site in 2008 and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development made a $500,000 grant in support of restoring the Lodge. The Pugwash Park Commission (PPC) and CREDA convened a steering committee that included local residents to make initial plans to stabilize and restore the Lodge. This group considered bid proposals from architect/planners and unanimously picked WHW Architects of Halifax to be the lead. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has contributed $250,000 to the project.

An important objective of both the Eaton family and CREDA is to benefit the local community. To date 75% of the money allocated for construction has been spent in the Cumberland region with McClearn's of Wallace hired to do the foundation work and Rafe's Construction of Parrsboro retained for the custom roofing and much of the carpentry. In addition, local materials are used whenever possible.

After checking with experts the PPC made the very difficult decision to remove a number of large trees from the property. The poplar trees were found to be diseased and posed a growing threat to the Lobster Factory. In March of 2009 there was more than $1,000 of damage caused by these trees during the ice storm. Part of the Commission’s plan is to raise the Lobster Factory and then plant new trees as part of a new landscaping effort that will help define how the property will look for the next 50 years.

To date, the Lodge’s six chimneys have been rebuilt from the roof up; the roof has been re-shingled with western cedar and asphalt shingles; and remedial foundation work is nearing completion. The decks have been removed and will be replaced and repairs have been made to the dormer windows. Additional exterior work will be carried out as weather conditions improve.

The next phase of restoration, to begin as soon as funding is secured, will address the interior of the lodge including replacing and repairing damaged plaster, repainting walls and ceilings, and stripping and repainting wood trim and windows. Also to be addressed in the coming months, upon completion of the Lodge interior, will be the refurbishment of the lobster factory (dining hall) and the staff house and property landscaping.

Moving forward, a major objective is to open the Lodge and the Lobster Factory to more community activities. Community input is sought on what these activities should include and on projects like landscaping. Please send an e-mail with any comments and questions.

 

150 students from Cumberland County who are away at post-secondary institutions will receive a care package from home just in time for this year’s exams. The Cumberland Care Kits are an important component of CREDA’s Youth Attraction and Retention Strategy and are a reminder to our young people that their community supports their efforts and encourages them to seek employment options here at home. Last year 112 kits were sent out to students all across Canada.

Included in each kit is important information about the local labour market, cost of living comparisons between Cumberland County and other areas in Nova Scotia and Canada, as well as other exciting things taking place in our communities.

The Care Kits are an excellent opportunity for companies or organizations to support a worthwhile initiative and take advantage of an important promotional opportunity by providing coupons, product samples or other items bearing their logos, or to advertise for summer or permanent employees. Donated items could include snacks, personal care items, stationary, and coupons for goods and services. Companies who choose to provide financial sponsorships instead will have their company name, contact information, and a brief description of their products or services included in each kit. Contributions levels of $25, $50 and $100 are being suggested.

Items or financial contributions should be received by the CREDA office no later than Friday, March 19th to ensure the Care Kits are ready to be distributed the first week of April. For more information, contact CREDA Youth Attraction and Retention Coordinator Amanda McInnis at 667-3638 or by email.

 

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