An empowering tribute to black culture
In the late 18th century, Black Loyalists and pioneers established roots in Digby County, Nova Scotia after the American War of Independence, becoming a vital part of the region’s Atlantic identity. By the 1970s, residents from nearby Black communities began meeting regularly to address pressing social challenges surrounding employment, housing, education and more. Their grassroots efforts gave rise to what is now known as the Jordantown-Acaciaville-Conway Betterment Association (JACBA), an organization dedicated to community advancement and lasting change.
JACBA’s Center of Excellence celebrates the culture, history and heritage of the local African Nova Scotian community. The center offers an inclusive gathering place for residents of all ages to take part in enriching academic, cultural and recreational programs. From curated art installations to food services, the Center of Excellence promotes community wellness and generates opportunities for employment.
Lantern pillars mark the entrance of the state-of-the art facility, each oriented toward one of the three communities that form JACBA. The Excellence Centre spans 11,000 sq. ft. and features several amenities including an early childhood education space, learning centre, offices, community kitchen, art gallery, fitness room, youth area, seniors centre, outdoor basketball court, and a large community/conference room.
Quick Facts
The Center of Excellence promotes inclusivity in Digby County’s Black community by offering a safe space that supports a variety of community-based programs.
In addition to its educational programs, the Center of Excellence supports local artists through its programming, gallery space and outdoor mural wall.
Our team used HoloBuilder technology to provide the project team with remote monitoring, so all parties could view construction progress between in-person site visits.
Powered by vision, backed by community
JACBA selected our project management team to help bring its vision for the Center of Excellence to life. The organization secured a substantial portion of the project’s funding through the province’s Small Communities Infrastructure Fund. To prepare for further success, we called in our infrastructure advisory team to support a grant submission under the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program (GICB). This submission, along with JACBA’s other fundraising efforts, enabled them to fully fund the community centre development through grants and donations, and ultimately achieve a Zero Carbon Building certification through Canada’s Green Building Council. The community’s support also played a large part in the momentum of the project. It’s through JACBA’s persistence and the community’s dedication that this project was able to advance.
The center’s project team navigated several challenges throughout its development, including rising construction costs, supply chain delays and labour disruptions – all of which were intensified by the complexities of working in a rural community. One major impact of these conditions was the difficult decision to downsize the project scope. Rather than stall the project, JACBA chose to move forward by incorporating an outdoor basketball court in place of a gymnasium to offer recreational value while it prepares to add-on the gymnasium in a future phase. To help maintain progress between site visits, the team used HoloBuilder’s 360-degree photo technology, allowing the design-build team and bridging consultant to remotely monitor construction.
JACBA celebrated the grand opening of its facility in November 2025. Not only does this community facility bring people of all ages together, but it educates future generations on the region’s legacy and shares Digby’s vibrant Black culture with all its visitors.
