Newsletter - March 2026
Overview – Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project
The Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project proceeds to move forward with strong momentum as we head into 2026. The three initiatives launched through Innovation Challenge #1 are continuing to make a meaningful difference in communities across the province. New phases of the project will be coming soon, and the team is excited to share more concrete updates in the near future.
Innovation Challenge #1 Projects
Each of the projects from Innovation Challenge #1 has been fully launched and is bringing meaningful benefits to their communities.
- Sharpen Up - Upward Mobility Kitchens East
Sharpen Up is now entering its final quarter as a funded initiative of the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project. Over the past nine months, the program has delivered training to more than six cohorts of students from across Halifax, with each cohort including over ten participants. During these sessions, students have learned essential culinary skills and gained valuable knowledge about preparing and eating nutritious food. The project is scheduled to complete its programming in June 2026, but the team has expressed interest in exploring opportunities to continue this impactful work through additional funding from both internal and external sources.
- We Will Play and We Will Eat - Wasoqopa'q First Nation
We Will Play and We Will Eat has hosted several community engagement sessions to gather insights and feedback on the development of their community site. These consultations have brought together elders and other community members, who are collaboratively shaping a space that will include play areas, cooking facilities, and cultural spaces for members of Wasoqopa’q First Nation and the broader community. Although construction has not begun due to ongoing inclement weather, the project team is eager to continue engaging with the community throughout the winter and looks forward to breaking ground in the spring.
- Grow & Go - Acadia University
Grow & Go launched in January 2026 with a strong start, as the project team worked to draw on the deep expertise within the Annapolis Valley community and beyond in support of farm‑to‑school food initiatives. The team has brought together key stakeholders to gather insights and guidance while also completing the necessary approvals for their research activities. They expect to break ground on the greenhouse in the spring once conditions are more favourable for construction.