The provincial fisheries department headquarters will move to Cornwallis, Annapolis Co., early next year, bringing good jobs to rural Nova Scotia.

The province has signed an agreement to lease office space in Cornwallis, which fisheries will share with regional staff from the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Natural Resources is moving its depot office from nearby Hillgrove, Digby Co.

"The fisheries department headquarters move will bring about 20 full-time jobs to rural Nova Scotia," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau. "Sharing office space with Natural Resources and Agriculture ensures better efficiencies for all three departments and benefits the entire region."

The province will lease the former library at the Lester B. Pearson Canadian International Peacekeeping Training Centre, from the Cornwallis Park Development Association. Renovations will begin soon with the offices expected to open next summer.

Until the building is ready, fisheries staff will work in a smaller building in Cornwallis Park.

"We are delighted with the decision of the departments to join in our community, and will work closely and co-operatively with them to facilitate this move," said Peter MacLellan, a Cornwallis Park Development Association director and president of the Digby and Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We are particularly cognizant and appreciative of the significant positive economic impact this decision will have on our area."

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department is working with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to find the best location in Shelburne County to house the aquaculture division.