Major funding support for Weymouth

The light manufacturing facility will provide 4,000 square feet of industrial space to be leased at commercial rates to new and or expanding businesses.

Weymouth Waterfront Development Committee chair Rod Lefort said the village’s development project also includes beautification, increased retail activity, renewed usage of the Sissiboo River and a general working atmosphere on the waterfront to create new jobs and secure the viability of Weymouth’s downtown core.

In an area hurt economically by the downturn in the local forestry sector, Kerr said he sees Weymouth as a community dedicated to come alive. “I’ve watched Weymouth struggle hard and this year’s economy has added to the pressure,” he said. “The community is pulling itself up and by this activity today is facing a much more positive future.”

Kerr congratulated the village on its planned manufacturing facility and said what has been achieved is marvelous. “It is terrific that this vision is underway,” he said. “The whole project with its detailed plans is impressive to me and is an example for other communities.”

Birdsall said the $700,000 provincial investment is coming from its Community Development Trust Fund.

She spoke of Weymouth’s rich history and the resilient spirit of its residents in the face of floods, fires and the economic ups and downs of the lumber and shipping industries. “It’s a spirit that continues to define this town’s progress and sense of community,” she said. “It is local leadership and vision that creates strong communities that not only survive but thrive through difficult times.”

Thursday’s announcement is an investment in the future prosperity of Weymouth and area, Birdsall added.

Among the Weymouth efforts to improve its future was creation of Team Weymouth, which was formed three years ago in the wake of the Irving Sawmill closure to maintain and create jobs so people will be encouraged to stay here. “It’s an investment for our community,” said organization chair Dominique Hanna. “With the funding announcement today, our hard work over the past three years has not been wasted.”

Lefort said the first phase of redeveloping Weymouth was he creation of Sissiboo Landing.

He said the planned manufacturing facility will be an industrial incubator and provide space and incentive for new and growing innovative businesses to locate in Weymouth, bringing outside investment, jobs and retail traffic to the downtown area. “Today’s announcement is another step toward achieving our vision and goal. Today has served as a great encouragement but the job’s not done.”

Nova Plastics has signed a letter of intent to lease space adding 20-25 new jobs in the next year and will utilize two vacant buildings in the downtown business section until the new structure is completed.

Pam Birdsall said the province has also invested in the expansion of Nova Plastics, an innovative home-grown company in Weymouth that is making Nova Scotia a better place to invest and do business.

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