County of Annapolis, N.S., seeks proposals to develop abandoned Upper Clements Park

Upper Clements Amusement Park, Annapolis Royal, N.S. (CTV file photo)

Upper Clements Park was a summer staple for families across Nova Scotia.

The theme park opened in 1989 and operated for 30 years before shuttering in 2019 due to financial issues.

The Municipality of the County of Annapolis issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale and development on the park lands on Wednesday.

“The former Upper Clements Park property holds a special place in the history of Annapolis County and in the memories of many residents,” said Warden Diane LeBlanc in a news release from the municipality. “As we look to the future, Council is excited to see new ideas and opportunities emerge for this site.”

The land is roughly 65 acres in size and will be made available in two sections. Developers can make proposals for one section or both.

The first section, ‘Parcel A,’ is around 37 acres and comprises the eastern end of the property. It’s where the main entrance for the amusement park used to be.

Parcel A also has a roughly 21-acre apple orchard and views of the Annapolis Basin.

‘Parcel B’ is roughly 25 acres on the western end of the property.

While there isn’t much left of the amusement park, the municipality notes there is existing infrastructure on both parcels of land.

“There is a number of buildings, including the old workshop, storage, and some smaller utility buildings,” says Rob Frost, CAO of the municipality, in a statement to CTV News.

“There is also still some roads that [are] usable, and some storm water infrastructure that may be beneficial,” he writes.

The municipality says they’re looking for proposals that will respect the property’s significance while creating lasting benefits for the community and future generations.

The RFP has been intentionally structured to encourage diverse and creative proposals. “The Municipality is open to a broad range of possibilities for the property,” said Frost in the news release.

The RFP closes on Sept. 1.

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