NOVA.SCOTIA (CBC) - The tall ships will be returning to Halifax next summer in what organizers say could be the largest gathering of such ships in North America.

Between 50 and 70 ships from 30 countries are expected next July for Tall Ships Nova Scotia 2009.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks said his department is already planning for the big event.

"It's one of our signature events next year and will be featured prominently in our tourism marketing campaign," he said Wednesday.

The 2009 festival will be bigger than the one last year, which included about 35 ships.

Organizers say that event generated about $2 million in revenue and $29 million in spinoffs for the local economy, and they expect next year's festival will have an even bigger impact.

The Halifax Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd. plans to spend about $5 million on the event, including $1.2 million to fix and expand the boardwalk along the harbour.

"We have that in our capital budget," said Colin MacLean, president of the corporation. "It's something that we needed to do in preparation for this event but to also maintain the infrastructure of the waterfront."

The tall ships festival will also mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Navy dockyard in Halifax in 1759.

The tall ships will be in Halifax for five days. Some will continue on to Port Hawkesbury and Sydney, while others will head to Pictou, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Yarmouth.

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