YARMOUTH - Representatives from First Nation and officials from three levels of government celebrated the grand opening of the new Winners World on Starrs Road on Nov. 30.
The 6,000-square foot building will employ close to 32 staff. A gaming centre in the rear with private access contains 22 VLT machines. The gas bar and 2,200-square foot convenience store serve fresh coffee, gas/furnace oil, cigarettes, take-out foods and a large variety of merchandise.
"The expanded Winner’s World gas bar, located on Acadia First Nation Yarmouth Reserve, will provide petroleum sales, a convenience retail outlet, and licensed gaming operations," reads a media release. "This newly expanded site will also offer improved exposure for drivers going in and out of Yarmouth, which will increase revenues and provide additional employment opportunities for community members."
Indigenous Services Canada provided $1 million for this project through the Community Opportunities Readiness Program. The Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) provides project-based funding to First Nations and Inuit communities for a range of activities to support their pursuit of economic opportunities.
In January 2019 Winners One Stop Restaurant will open, with seating for 79 people, a dairy bar, fresh seafood and Acadian specialties and much more. An outdoor patio will be connected to the restaurant.
“We are excited for the opening of the Winners World gas bar and what it will bring to our community and to the region,” said Chief Deborah Robinson, Acadia First Nation. “It is our goal, as Chief and Council, to create economic opportunities for our people and we know that through the support of the Federal Government and our community members, Winners World will prove to be a huge success for Acadia First Nation.”
“I’m delighted to see the expansion of Acadia First Nations’ Your Winners World Gas Bar. This expansion will be an economic driver and will create new jobs for Acadia First Nation," added West Nova MP Colin Fraser. "I am proud that our Government supports our First Nation communities in reaching their full potential and I look forward to more great achievements by Acadia First Nation.”
Acadia First Nation’s unique geographical composition consists of six reserves through the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax. Acadia First Nation has a total registered population of 1583 people, with approximately 236 people living on reserve.
The former Winners World will be torn down and economic opportunities are being looked at for the site.
