CITYnews halifax: Pictou–North Colchester Exhibition Grounds receive new funding

CITYnews halifax / By Emma Amodio

A historic agricultural exhibition site in Pictou County will have accessibility for visitors and exhibitors fortified after the province announces new funding.

On Friday, the province announced in a release that the Pictou–North Colchester Exhibition grounds, which has hosted the exhibition for more than 130 years, will receive a $200,000 investment. The release said the grounds support community gatherings over the years and helps create better facilities for agricultural, cultural and community events in the region.

“For generations, the Pictou–North Colchester Exhibition grounds have been a place where neighbours come together, where young people learn about agriculture, and where families make memories that last a lifetime,” said Energy Minister Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, on behalf of Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development. “Investing in these grounds means investing in our community – supporting local traditions, strengthening rural connections and making sure this important gathering place can continue to serve people in Pictou County for years to come.”

The investment will support upgrades, including completing work on a new 12-by-52 metre multi-purpose barn which will replace the beef barn. This updated facility will have removable stalls to allow for flexibility in hosting different types of livestock events and community programming through every season.

This barn is called the Elwood and Mary Fraser Memorial Building, as they were both dedicated supporters of the agricultural society and longtime volunteers at the exhibition. As a board member and contractor, it was Mr. Fraser’s vision to build the new barn, and he organized several fundraisers

The new Elwood and Mary Fraser Memorial Building is home to the 2026 All Canada Sheep Classic (Province of Nova Scotia)

There will also be improvements to the Kinsman building light horse barn and dining hall to make the site more accessible, functional and welcoming for exhibitors, volunteers, visitors and community partners.

The provincial support is through the Community Economic Development Fund, which supports community-based projects that help sectors and communities become more competitive and create broad benefits for regions and industries. The exhibition grounds, located in the town of Pictou, are owned by the Pictou Agricultural Society.