African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Enters Its Third Year Of Progress

Led by and for the community, the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Plan (REPP) is a five-year strategy which aims to address systemic issues and improve economic and quality of life outcomes for African Nova Scotians.

Now in its third year, the REPP is focused on three priorities: building unity and capacity building among African Nova Scotian (ANS) communities; establishing land ownership, developing infrastructure, and attracting investment; and increasing participation in education, employment and entrepreneurship. Advancing the Road to Economic Prosperity is also a priority within People. Planet. Prosperity. Halifax’s Inclusive Economic Strategy 2022-2027, co-led by Halifax Partnership and the Halifax Regional Municipality.

This year’s annual REP Summit, titled "Our Communities, Our Future, Our Prosperity”, took place on September 22 at NSCC. It brought together the ANS community, REP partners RBC and the Province of Nova Scotia, and private, public, and post-secondary leaders to celebrate progress made over the past year, discuss issues and opportunities, and share best practices.

Learn more about the progress being made on the REPP in the recent Saltwire.com article ‘African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity celebrates a remarkable year of progress’.

Beechville Driving Positive Change

A recent article in Saltwire.com, ‘Reclaiming roots and leading the way forward’, reports on positive changes happening in Beechville, one of the oldest African Nova Scotian communities in the province. Progress includes changes to municipal planning, zoning, and boundaries, and the creation of the new Beechville Comprehensive Development District Zone, all of which are paving the way for new community-driven economic development opportunities.

Led by the Beechville Community Development Association, with support from the Road to Economic Prosperity and the Halifax Regional Municipality, these changes will give the community more power in approving the types of developments and businesses that can operate in Beechville while helping preserve culturally and historically significant properties like the Beechville Baptist Church.

Read more about the progress being made in Beechville.

Kinney Place A Hub for Community and Business

Less than a year after opening, Kinney Place has become an important new hub for African Nova Scotians, building a foundation for future community-led economic and business development. The recent article on Saltwire.com, ‘A foundation for future generations’, highlights Kinney Place’s $2.7-million restoration project led by Akoma, a Black-led non-profit and registered Canadian charity, whose mission is to create space for Black Nova Scotians to gather as a community and excel in business.
“In Canada, we’ve seen how sites can be reused in a positive way to help with community healing and thriving. That’s what we’re doing here too,” says Jason Jackson, vice president of Akoma Holdings Inc.

Learn more about the history and renovation of Kinney Place.