Story Ideas
Nova Scotia wine country…8 wineries now, with more to come by 2010—Move over Niagara and Okanagan, Nova Scotia wineries are coming up fast. There are currently eight wineries in Nova Scotia covering 350 acres of vineyard land, and those in the industry predict that by 2015, there will be at least 20 wineries with 1,000 acres of vineyard land. L’Acadie Vineyards, with its grand opening in June 2008, is nestled on Nova Scotia’s first certified organic vineyard. Coming in 2010, the gravity-fed winery Benjamin Bridge will concentrate on sparkling wines made from Nova Scotia’s signature varieties L’Acadie Blanc and NY Muscat. Learn more about Nova Scotia wineries at www.winesofnovascotia.ca
Tall Ships To Set Sail for Halifax in 2009—Halifax harbour will once again host the Tall Ships in 2009 as part of the Tall Ships Challenge® Race Series. The series began in 2001 on the Great Lakes, with 30 vessels from 6 countries. The Tall Ships visited during the summers of 2004 and 2007 with enormous success. July 16-20, 2009 www.tallshipsnovascotia.com
Pier 21—Canada’s Immigration Museum is planning a $10 million expansion so it can better tell the story of Canadian immigration and nation building, from the point of first contact to the present. Pier 21 currently focuses on the years 1928 to 1971. After the expansion is complete, the museum will be able to tell the full story of Canadian immigration, from the 1800s on, with exhibits about the beginnings of Canada, including the First Nations. Pier 21 ranks as one of our country’s greatest treasures and has been named one of Canada’s seven wonders. www.pier21.ca
Cunard’s long history with Halifax—Between the last voyage of the QEII in North America and the maiden world cruise of the new Queen Victoria liner, Cunard Lines has a lot happening in 2008. But it all started in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with founder Samuel Cunard. Mr. Cunard was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1787 and started his shipping career here, creating a line that carries through to present day. Halifax has several memorials to Cunard, including a waterfront statue, and a new convention centre named for him. Cunard foresaw a day when sail would be replaced with steam power. An exhibit featuring Cunard and his ships can be found at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the Halifax waterfront. http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/
In Halifax Year-round Festivals Abound—If your interest is food & wine, comedy, music, film, alternative theatre, marathon running, Buskers, airplanes, multiculturalism, military history, or all of the above Halifax offers a festival or event waiting for you to attend. Come experience what is hip and happening in Halifax—Atlantic Canada’s Entertainment & Cultural Capital. For a complete list of festivals and events going on year-round in Halifax check out the website. www.experiencehalifax.com
Port of Halifax Seaport Development—At the south end of Halifax's waterfront is the Halifax Seaport. The area located along Piers 20-23 is undergoing a transformation as part of a 10-year redevelopment plan. The Halifax Port Authority is working with the community and tenants to create great new public spaces with walkways and view planes to the harbour that will generate economic activity for the region. The Seaport is home to a Cruise Pavilion, tourism facilities and services, with a cluster of arts and cultural industries growing at the Seaport. This development is an example of how Halifax is striving toward becoming a “World City of Culture” with the Seaport as a source of civic pride for residents and a destination for tourists. www.portofhalifax.ca
