Annapolis Valley Register

Gordonstou­n announceme­nt comes as good news for region

- BY LAWRENCE POWELL ANNAPOLIS VALLEY REGISTER ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, N.S.

Among the stories I’ve written in 2018, ranking highest has to be the Dec. 8 announceme­nt that Gordonstou­n Schools

Limited of Elgin,

Scotland has granted its firstever franchise to businessma­n Ed

Farren, who is locating Gordonstou­n Nova Sco- tia in Annapolis County.

The impact on the local economy will be immediate and long lasting.

The influx of 600 students from around the world will increase diversity in the region, will positively bolster social capital through volunteeri­sm, and will give the area and province an increased internatio­nal profile.

The facility will be of net-zero constructi­on with virtually no environmen­tal impact; in itself, it will be an attraction.

The school is expected to increase tourism, increase housing constructi­on in the area, and will have a positive impact on nearby Acadia University that will work with the school.

Princes have attended Gordonstou­n.

The school is not a big-box store, not a call centre, not a manufactur­ing plant. In other words, it’s not transient, fly-by-night, or subject to the whims of global economics or passing fads. Perhaps what Gordonstou­n isn’t is the most important thing about it.

While this is about a single ‘story,’ I had three stories written on the day of the announceme­nt, and a forth within 48 hours. Combined, they told the story.

 ??  ?? Lawrence Powell
Lawrence Powell

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