DATA needs dollars

In the past few months the area’s tourism association has erected interpretive signs in Digby, Freeport, Smiths Cove, Belliveau Cove, Weymouth, Bear River and at Balancing Rock on Long Island.

DATA has also launched a new website (digbyarea.ca) designed to whet the appetite of potential visitors.

At DATA’s annual general meeting on June 3, chair Dianne Theriault said there will be more interpretive panels, as well as directional signs erected. There are also ongoing consultations regarding trail development in the area.

DATA is working with the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency on a site assessment and evaluation relating to the much-anticipated interpretive centre that will be built in or around Digby.

Theriault said the association’s limited funding resulted in the layoff of Carolyn Smith, who she described as a huge asset to the organization. Theriault said she hopes DATA will be in a financial position to re-hire Smith later this year. “DATA has to put a revenue stream in place,” said Theriault.

The association is considering a levy of its members.

Theriault also said the Digby-Saint John ferry will be a focus of a transportation study this year. The study will look at all modes of transportation, including roads, air, and the Yarmouth-based Cat ferry as well.