Old Sydney Society Breathes New Life into Historic Downtown
News Release
Government of Canada invests in preserving Canada’s legacy
February 17, 2017 – Sydney, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The refurbishment of a historic landmark in downtown Sydney will be an added attraction for visitors to the area, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. Tourism is an important economic generator throughout Atlantic Canada and is a particularly vibrant sector on Cape Breton Island. Last year Cape Breton saw a visitor increase of 15%. This number is expected to increase significantly due to the recent Government of Canada investment of $6.6 million in the Port of Sydney’s second berth, which will allow for increased cruise ship capacity and visitations.
The Old Sydney Society will renovate the former Bank of Montreal (BMO) building on Charlotte Street into a community facility and museum. The building was constructed in 1899 during the steel industry’s economic boom. Its unique architectural appeal and historical significance have secured it recognition as a registered municipal heritage property. Located in proximity to the Port of Sydney, it will serve to complement the four historical museums situated in the north end of the city which attract 26,000 visitors annually.
The Government of Canada is contributing $175,000, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, to assist the Old Sydney Society with the renovation and repurposing of this 19th century commercial building. The federal funding was announced today by MP Mark Eyking, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The Old Sydney Society recently completed infrastructure improvements and added a new permanent exhibit to the St. Patrick’s Church Museum. This historic property and the former BMO building are located within the North End Heritage Conservation District. The one and a half story Gothic Revival style church was built between 1828 and 1830 from stone salvaged from the ruins of the Fortress of Louisbourg. This project was made possible in part by an earlier commitment of $84,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
Quotes
“As we begin this exciting year marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation, we believe it is more crucial than ever to support projects that allow local organizations to celebrate their region’s history and heritage. We are proud to help communities showcase the significant events and buildings that helped shape their story.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"The Government of Canada is working closely with Nova Scotia to ensure we make smart investments that help grow the middle class and promote economic development. The re-purposing of this historically significant building will help provide cruise ship passengers arriving at the Port of Sydney with even more to see and experience, further strengthening the region's reputation as a premier tourist destination."
- The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“This year we made St Patrick’s Church more accessible and even lovelier. That was perfect for our 50th anniversary year because St Patrick’s was Old Sydney Society‘s very first project, begun in 1966. To bookend the year we started work on this Gothic-revival gem, the former BMO building. Both buildings are beautiful, and iconic in local history; and we want, not just to preserve them, but make them a vibrant asset to the town. Without ACOA, neither project would have been possible.”
- Joyce Rankin, Executive Director of the Old Sydney Society
Associated Links
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
Joyce Rankin
Executive Director
Old Sydney Society
Phone: 902-539-1572
E-mail: oldsydneysociety@gmail.com