Along with many other organizations and individuals, the Board and Staff of the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens are alarmed at the degree of cuts towards heritage, culture and tourism embedded in the proposed Nova Scotia 2026-27 budget and the potential for further cuts in the future. We appreciate the need for fiscal responsibility, and we understand that hard decisions have to be made, but we also feel that there is a lack of understanding of the true value of these sectors to the Nova Scotian economy, to the Nova Scotian community and to the physical and mental health of Nova Scotians.

We have chosen to address our concerns in the following letter which was emailed to the Premier and all the MLAs who represent Nova Scotians in government.

To: Premier Houston and all our elected representatives

Re: 2026-27 Provincial Budget and cuts to heritage, culture & tourism

We write to you today on behalf of the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society, owner and operator of the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, a world renowned botanical garden and one of Nova Scotia’s most visited and beloved attractions.

We are so very proud to be part of the amazing community of Annapolis Royal. We were also very proud to witness the passion and love that overflowed at the March 4 local rally in support of art & culture, heritage & tourism, recreation & accessibility... all the things that make a vibrant and healthy community. The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens has been an iconic attraction representing tourism, culture & heritage for 45 years. We are very concerned at the level of cuts to our sectors and the negative impact it will have for years to come.

While largely under-appreciated, the economic value of our heritage, culture & tourism industry is very real, and very far reaching. Heritage, culture & tourism make our communities tick and everyone benefits from the dollars spent in Nova Scotia by people travelling, attending events and visiting sites. It is one giant ecosystem! And it is a way of life.

The various supports being cut are crucial for the many community groups who are stewards of our heritage and cultural assets, and who create the places and experiences we all treasure. From operating grants for museums, theatres and arts organizations, to grants that allow community groups to improve public facilities & accessibility, present programming, and hire summer students. Add to that the cuts to our makers and creators, to youth programs, to recreation… the list goes on, and on.

Imagine a Nova Scotia without art & music, theatres, gardens & parks, museums & galleries. Without community events or the ability to experience our rich heritage & culture. We simply can’t imagine it. These things are an integral part of life in Nova Scotia, the reasons people relocate to our province and the very things upon which Nova Scotia’s huge tourism industry is built.

We all know hard decisions have to be made, but we also know that our voices can help inform government of the things we hold most dear. So we ask you to listen to all these passionate voices and show your support for heritage, culture and tourism in Nova Scotia.

Sincerely,

Stuart Jamieson, Chair
Trish Fry, Manager
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society

What can YOU do?

We all know decisions have to be made, but we also know that our voices can help inform government of the things we hold most dear. So we really need to make some noise if we want to change the attitude towards the value of heritage, culture and tourism in Nova Scotia.

• Write, email or call your MLA and let them know how you feel. It is not too late – in fact, this type of advocacy is best as a year round conversation so that the things we value are constantly on the minds of the decision makers, now and for future budgets. You can download this handy list: Nova Scotia MLA Contact Information
• Publicly advocate for the things you hold dear – post on social media, have coffee conversations with friends, attend a rally near you.
• Are you someone who visits Nova Scotia? Your opinion is important. What is it that draws you here? Write to the Minister of Tourism and the Premier to give them that perspective.
• Did you relocate to Nova Scotia from elsewhere? What is it about Nova Scotia that helped you make that decision? This is also an important point of view.

And most of all, continue to show your love and support for the community groups who work so hard to keep the culture, heritage and tourism alive and well in Nova Scotia, and to all the artists, musicians, authors, storytellers and other creative individuals who make our communities so special. The culture, heritage and tourism sectors are still recovering from the multi-year impacts of the pandemic, and will need your support to weather this next storm.