Cheers &Jeers

Cheers to the province’s new marketing campaign which aims to build on tourism recovery.

After the past few years where COVID dissuaded most from visiting our province, or anywhere else for that matter, getting the word back out there that you can’t beat Nova Scotia for the ultimate summer get-away, is money well spent by the government because of the trickle-down benefits for so many businesses who count on tourism dollars.

The campaign, called Your Ocean Playground, will run through the end of summer in Ontario, Quebec, Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts.

“In Nova Scotia, our history, culture, people and landscape are distinctly shaped by the sea. This campaign invites visitors to experience the joy of Canada’s ocean playground,” Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said. “Last year, we saw visitors return in a significant way, with accommodation sales even surpassing 2019 numbers. We want to build on that momentum and help our tourism industry thrive.”

The campaign includes television, billboards, social media, video and display ads that, as a release on the campaign states, “highlight the wide range of things to do and see in all areas of Nova Scotia. They focus on seacoast delights and Maritime culture, through the story of a couple travelling all 13,000 kilometres of coastline.”

It’s always nice when being downtown, or Victoria Park, or the Fundy Discovery Site in the spring, summer or early fall in our province and seeing unfamiliar faces – faces lit up because of what they’re taking in. Not only is it helpful for the economy, it’s a reminder that we’re very fortunate we only have to drive a few minutes to experience what they have traveled miles and miles for … and hopefully will again.

Jeers to a lack of parking at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.

There is no easy answer for this one but if there is any way to squeeze some more parking spots around one of Truro’s most popular – if not the most popular – community gathering spots, it should be explored.

Recent cheer events and concerts at the RECC were prime examples of how while the building can accommodate large numbers of people, the same can’t be said for vehicles that end up parking on green spaces (white after snow), medians, adjacent roads (not always safely) and just about anywhere else a car can roll onto.

It isn’t an issue for the majority of activity that happens at the RECC but if the goal is to fill the building for these special events and bring people to Truro to experience them, maybe a better plan for where they can park once arriving is needed. Cheers to residents of Colchester and East Hants having access to increased support when it comes to navigating social challenges and improving their mental health.

On Monday, it was announced the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Colchester-east Hants will receive $191,100 towards providing non-clinical support and intervention for individuals living with mental health concerns and those who care for them in a community-based setting.

“This is wonderful news for our communities,” said Truro-bible Hill-millbrook-salmon River MLA Dave Ritcey. “It is a great advancement in our health and wellness and I commend CMHA Colchester-east Hants for the work they continue to do for our residents.”

Susan King from CMHA said the investment will help them provide timely and hopeful interventions for individuals in mental health distress.

“Our goal for this pilot project is to increase the clinical supports offered at the community level so that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can be supported in community, and when appropriate, be referred to the formal system,” King said. “With the present strain on the formal system, community organizations such as CMHA have seen greatly increased demands for supports and services. This funding will allow our organization to respond appropriately, increase the professional expertise of staff members and mobilize our community, reducing suicidal outcomes and increasing the well-being of our community members.”

Sounds like money well spent as well.