Alerts
Viola’s Way Placemaking Project Celebrates Funding in New Glasgow
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- Category: Alerts
- Published: Thursday, 28 August 2025 09:10
News Release
For Immediate Release
New Glasgow, August 28, 2025:
The Town of New Glasgow and the New Glasgow GALMA Society are thrilled to celebrate the successful funding announcement and groundbreaking of the Viola’s Way Placemaking Project. The event, held today adjacent to the former Roseland Theatre, marks a significant milestone in creating a welcoming, inclusive, pedestrian-only space dedicated to reflection, celebration, education, and reconciliation.
Viola’s Way will honour the enduring legacy of African Nova Scotian changemakers, including its namesake, Viola Desmond, and reflects a strong collaborative investment from the Government of Canada, Province of Nova Scotia and the Town of New Glasgow, demonstrating a shared commitment to cultural recognition, inclusion, and community development.
Funding contributions include $1,000,000 from African Nova Scotia Affairs, Province of Nova Scotia, $390,000 (non-repayable) from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), $342,700 from the Town of New Glasgow and $315,875 from the Building Communities Through Arts & Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The New Glasgow GALMA Society, serving as the Community-Led Advisory Group for Viola’s Way, is a grassroots organization rooted in African ancestral values. Grounded by the principles of Kwanzaa and Africentricity, “GALMA will centre the historical and lived experiences of African Nova Scotians and all people of African descent in all initiatives we undertake”.
“Canada’s diversity and heritage reflect the values and stories that make our country unique and strong,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. “Through this project, New Glasgow celebrates a milestone anniversary while reflecting on the significant contributions that African Nova Scotians have made to this community. I know Viola's Way will be a gathering space where the legacy of local leaders and trailblazers will inspire generations to come.”
Mayor Nancy Dicks also shared her support and gratitude at the ceremony."Viola’s Way will be so much more than bricks and pathways, it will be a space to reflect, to celebrate, to honour legacy, and to promote learning and healing. It represents a bold and beautiful step forward for our community, and I’m so proud to see this vision coming to life."
Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, added “Viola Desmond’s courage in 1946 changed not only this community but Canada itself. Through this investment, our government is reaffirming its commitment to keeping African Nova Scotian history visible and central to Nova Scotia’s story.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, shared his support. “Viola’s Way is a powerful tribute that reminds us of Viola Desmond’s courage. Her stand at the Roseland Theatre was a turning point in Nova Scotia’s journey toward justice, inclusivity, and equality. As a trailblazer in Nova Scotia’s civil rights movement, Viola’s legacy continues to inspire the resilience of our province. I’m proud to see this project take shape in our community, and proud to support initiatives like this that help build local economies where everyone can contribute to and strengthen the communities we call home.”
The Town of New Glasgow and the GALMA Society thanks all partners, supporters, and community members for joining this important celebration and look forward to seeing Viola’s Way become a vibrant space that reflects the heritage, history and voices of the community.
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Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782