About ARDA

If we were to sum up in one word what we’re about, it would be this: Antigonish. Everything we do is about empowering the town and county of Antigonish to be a thriving place to do business, a great place to live and a community of growth. We believe that it’s the combination of economic and community development that makes for a strong, sustainable future.

Established in1996, the Antigonish Regional Development Authority (ARDA) is one of 12 regional development authorities in the province of Nova Scotia. We receive core funding from all levels of government and are proud to partner with them on key initiatives of community investment. Our partners include:

Town of Antigonish
Municipality of the County of Antigonish
Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Our Vision

ARDA will be acknowledged as a key facilitator of business and community development. ARDA will collaborate with other community leaders to position Antigonish as a growth community with:

Unique intellectual and educational assets;
A strong sense of family and community;
A rich culture and history;
A superior natural and sustainable environment; and
A healthy quality of life.

Our Mission

ARDA provides supportive, inclusive leadership in strengthening the economic and social fabric of the region through sustainable community economic development. ARDA promotes the Antigonish community to the world, focuses on capacity building, developing and strengthening partnerships and encouraging innovation to stimulate economic growth and community development.

If you’d like to know more about who we are and how we help ideas take root, please contact us.