The Agency for Reconstruction and Development is collaborating with the Physical Planning Unit in the development of the Local Area Plan for Greater Grenville, which is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency through the Caribbean Development Bank with a $152,300 (US) grant.

Mr. David Harrison, a CIP member from Nova Scotia, facilitated the PPU with two consultations. A session was conducted with the business community in Grenville, focussing on the importance of the private sector in sustaining the Local Area Plan, once it has been adopted.

Mr. Harrison noted that the conditions in Grenville regarding infrastructure, services and the environment must be sufficient for businesses to operate effectively and continue to invest their capital. Needs identified by the participants included a more diversified economic base in the Greater Grenville area by developing agro-business opportunities, manufacturing, tourism and the cottage industries.

In particular, tourism and eco-tourism development were stressed, with potential sites at Pilot Hill, Battle Hill and the sustainable development of the coast line from Soubise to Telescope Point. Walking trails in the Paradise area were also suggested. The importance of the Grenville Port was identified in terms of economic activity for Grenville.

It was further suggested that the Grenville business community establish a Local Business Association.

A second consultation was convened with local residents in the form of a Land Use Design Forum. Participants studied base maps of Grenville Town, identifying areas for agriculture, tourism, residential, institutional and commercial development, as well as pedestrian and road access.

As a result of these consultations, the local committee now includes 12 persons.

Greater Grenville comprises about 4,500 acres and is bordered by Conference in the north, Soubise in the south and Mirabeau in the west. In the context of the 2003 National Physical Development Plan, Grenville is defined as the Regional Centre for the north east.

In May, under the auspices of the CIP, Mr. Michael Donnelly, of the Faculty of the Centre of Geographic Sciences at Nova Scotia Community College, conducted training in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) computer software and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment for officers from the PPU; National Water and Sewerage Authority; Land Use Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands; the Ministry of Communication, Works and Transport; and the ARD.