“The District of Guysborough has some of the best wind resource available in the Province”, states Warden Lloyd Hines, “As such, it makes perfect sense that we invest in the resource and with this project, the Municipality will reap a very reasonable return on its’ investment.”

MODG has entered into a contract with Seaforth Energy Ltd. for the supply and installation of the wind turbines.  MODG will be purchasing the turbines out of its own financial reserves and as such, there will be no debt financing associated with the project. 

The Guysborough County Regional Development Authority (GCRDA) Investment and Trade Office were instrumental in developing this project. Investment and Trade Manager, Gordon MacDonald worked to develop the RFP and submit the project for consideration. 

The Municipality recently amended its’ Municipal Planning Strategy and Development Regulations to allow the installation of wind turbines in most all areas of the Municipality.

“We now have some of the friendliest wind regulations in the Country’’, continues Hines, “We’re open for business when it comes to wind development and we want prospective investors to know that coupled with a good wind regime, there is an open-minded welcoming Municipality to back it up.”

MODG will be installing the four wind turbines during the summer months, and it is expected that they will be on line by this fall. 

The Woodland Conference is a full day conference session where professionals and woodland owners discuss issues and resources that help manage their woodlands sustainably and keep them healthy. The conference covers a wide range of topics of interest to the industry such as wildlife and insects, succession planning and sustainable forestry practices. 

Contact Ashley at the GCRDA for more details.

The final workshop will be held on April 10, 2012 at 7:00pm-8:30pm at the Canso Library

We would like to invite you to a Luncheon on March 15th to provide you with information about this Initiative. Please see the attached postcard below for details.

Newcomer Luncheon

Utilizing print and social media the campaign aims at growing community pride and travel to the area by engaging friends of Guysborough County to share all that they love about their part of paradise. In doing so, the GCRDA hopes to increase the awareness of the County and the unique people and places. More awareness will have a positive economic impact on the business community.

For 7 weeks beginning March 12, 2012, the GCRDA is looking for your nominations for the following categories:

1. March 12-18 – Architecture - i.e houses, business, buildings, barns, churches, bridges, courthouses, post offices, wharves etc.
2. March 19-25 – The Arts - artists at work, murals, sculptures, grassroots art, public art, performing spaces, music, theatre, fine art, dance etc.
3. March 26-April 1 – Events - community suppers,  musical events, sporting events, parades, children events
4. April 2-8 – Cuisine – Restaurants, community suppers, breakfast, farmers market et
5. April 9-15 – History – Unique stories, folklore, buildings, landmarks
6. April 16-22 – Geography - barrens, trails, natural landmarks, seacoast, waterfalls, rivers, gardens, dirt-roads etc.
7. April 23-29 – People - musician, politician, businessperson, scientist, veteran, an athlete, etc.

Development Officer, Carmel Avery-MacDonald says she is excited about this campaign. “All you need to do is send us your nominations. Be sure to include a caption describing your photo and the category your nomination best fits. A Steering Committee will narrow the top 3 finalist in each category and the public will have an opportunity to vote.” The 7 Winning Wonders will receive a plaque of recognition to be displayed on the site.

There are a few ways to nominate your favorite wonder. You can:

• Upload a picture to our Facebook Fan Page @ Guysborough County Regional Development Authority
• Email us a picture to info@gcrda.ns.ca;
• Mail your nomination to 7 Wonders Campaign c/o GCRDA Box 49 Guysborough, N.S. B0H 1N0

For more information on the 7 Wonders of Guysborough County Campaign including nomination criteria and to cast your final vote, check out the Contest Criteria .  The top 3 entries in each category will be available for the public to vote from May 14, 2012 to May 31, 2012. The winners will be unveiled on June 5, 2012.

The GCRDA has been working on this strategy since summer 2011. The GCRDA took a phased approach in developing the plan. Input was gathered from the public over the summer and analyzed and shared at a leadership forum in October. Consultant Ryan MacNeil facilitated the session and developed the draft plan after the forum. Further input was gathered by the GCRDA board of directors. The final draft was prepared and presented to the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. Copies of the plan were sent to the Municipality of the District of Guysborough, the Town of Canso and the Town of Mulgrave for review.

The GCRDA 5 Year Strategic Plan will be available on our web site after March 31, 2012.

Power Up Your Business! Invest Innovate Grow

Thursday, October 20, 2011, Country Harbour Gun Club 6:00pm-9:00pm

Guest Speakers: 4 Local Business Success Stories!

Cost is $10. Bring a Guest!

Please contact 533-2770 or chantelle.penney@cbdc.ca  to RSVP by Friday, Oct. 14, 2011.

Let us know if you have an item to donate to the Silent Auction!