Regional Occupational Centre Society to Expand Facility
News Release
Government of Canada supports community infrastructure upgrades in Port Hawkesbury
March 2, 2017 – Port Hawkesbury, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
A local society dedicated to supporting the unique needs of adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in the Strait region, is preparing to revamp its facility and business offerings. The Regional Occupational Centre (ROC) Society will be remodeling and expanding its MacQuarrie Drive Extension facility in Port Hawkesbury to accommodate its growing list of social enterprises. In addition, the newly designed space is expected to create three new jobs for members of the ROC’s Independent Living Support program.
The Government of Canada is investing $500,000 in the ROC Society to assist with upgrades and renovations to the building. These improvements will create much needed office and storefront space, transforming the building into a more attractive and inviting place for locals and visitors to do business, and will enable the ROC to introduce new programs and social enterprises.
The federal funding was announced today by Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
In addition to the building’s expansion, ROC’s facility will receive a new roof, wheelchair ramp, flooring throughout the main level, new windows, and upgrades to its kitchen. The enhanced facility will create the required space to properly display the ROC’s products for sale. It will also allow the ROC to branch into new revenue streams, including a quality used clothing store and rental space for local crafters to sell their wares year-round.
This investment is made under ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which aims to strengthen community infrastructure in rural areas, and invests in projects that enhance a community’s capacity to build upon its existing strengths, assets and opportunities.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with organizations like the Regional Occupational Centre Society, who significantly improve the quality of life for adults with varying abilities. Investments such as these help ensure the organization will remain an integral part of the Strait region for years to come, providing an accessible and sound facility, and continued employment opportunities for members and staff.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“This enhanced facility and centralization of core staff under one roof will help the ROC to better serve the needs of its members through the improvement of programming spaces, access to personnel, and reduction of overhead costs. The ROC Society is proof that community projects, social enterprises, and an entrepreneurial spirit can work cohesively and accomplish many things.”
- Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso
“There is presently a gap in services for people with disabilities in supported employment and the ROC wants to be the employer of choice. We want other employers to follow our lead and see the value in employing people with disabilities. We will be expanding the existing location to include a large store that will support our present social enterprises, bakery products and craft production with an addition of a new social enterprise, a clothing shop.”
- Diana Poirier, Executive Director, ROC Society
Associated Links
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(902) 426-9417
(902) 830-3839 (cell)
Email: alex.smith@canada.ca
Diana Poirier
Executive Director
Regional Occupational Centre (ROC) Society
(902) 625-1048 (work)
Email: dproc@eastlink.ca