Gabarus celebrates upgrades and important community milestone

Government of Canada supports infrastructure improvements to the Gabarus Community Centre

Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, today announced a $31,577 contribution to the Gabarus Volunteer Fire Department through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. MP Cuzner made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

This non-repayable assistance will enable the Fire Department to upgrade the Mildred Reid Grant Gray Community Centre and Fire Hall. This project includes purchasing and installing an audio and video system and new kitchen equipment, and installing heat pumps, new windows, a handicapped accessible door and a drop ceiling. This investment will also allow the Fire Department to purchase a generator, creating a safe emergency shelter for community members.

The Mildred Reid Grant Gray Community Centre has been a prominent meeting space for the community for decades, hosting a variety of social gatherings, fundraisers and Village meetings. It is also available for rent for special events. Upgrades to the centre will ensure the community has a space to gather not only to celebrate, but also for shelter during times of need.

A contribution of $25,000 from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality will go towards this project alongside a $19,250 contribution from the Gabarus Volunteer Fire Department.

On Sunday, September 11, the Village of Gabarus is celebrating its 300^th anniversary and was presented with the Community Spirit Award by the Honourable J.J. Grant, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. 

 

Quotes

“Canada’s economic success is positively impacted when communities are strong and united. Improving community infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, helps to create resilient communities where the talents and ambitions of its residents are able to grow and succeed.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations that bring community members together. The 300th anniversary of Gabarus Village is a significant milestone attesting to the community’s strength, cohesiveness and longevity. The improvements to the Community Centre and Fire Hall will ensure that residents have a safe, dependable place to go whether it’s for events or during emergency situations.”

-       Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton - Canso

“On behalf the Mayor Clarke and Council, I want to congratulate Gabarus on more positive news and development. As one of our smallest, but strongest communities, Gabarus has achieved a great deal by working with others.”

-       Ivan Doncaster, Councillor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality

“As part of the celebration of our 300th Anniversary, Gabarus Village has come together to carry out many projects, large and small.  Repair of the seawall, moving of the lighthouse to safety, village social events, and with the generous help of ACOA and CBRM, complete restoration and refurbishing of the Mildred Reid Grant Gray Community Centre and the fire hall itself, which not only will provide safety and firefighting operations, but will become a social gathering place as well as a place of refuge in case of emergency.”

-       Wayne Dickie, Board Chair, Gabarus Volunteer Fire Department

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Regional Municipality of Cape Breton

 

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

Wayne Dickie
Board Chair
Gabarus Volunteer Fire Department
Phone: 902-884-2735
E-mail: wdickey@towncountryhomes.ca

Christina Lamey
Communications Advisor
Office of the Mayor - Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Phone: 902-563-5233 / 902-574-0178 (cell)
E-mail: clamey@cbrm.ns.ca

Background

The CIP150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150^th anniversary of Confederation. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.