Backgrounder: Rural Cape Breton to Benefit from New Tourism-Related Infrastructure
Backgrounder
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) today announced total funding of more than $730,000 for four projects in Cape Breton.
Details of the four projects are as follows:
· A $301,500 (repayable) contribution is being provided to the Dundee Resort & Golf Club to increase the overall quality of the resort by improving the interior and exterior of the buildings, acquiring new equipment, adding a fitness centre, new signage, internet upgrades and improving cellular signals on site.
· A $225,000 (repayable) contribution is being provided to MacLeod’s Beach – Campsite Limited to replace 40-50 fully-serviced campsites, including electricity, running water, and washrooms.
· A $150,000 (non-repayable) contribution is being provided to the Inverness Development Association to improve the Inverness village boardwalk that connects the Cabot Links golf course and Inverness Beach. The project includes replacing the entire boardwalk, adding railings, an accessible ramp and beach hut, as well as stairs to the beach to combat dune erosion.
· A $55,000 (non-repayable) contribution is being provided to the Société Mi-Carême to upgrade its heating (HVAC) system, making it more efficient and economically sustainable. The new HVAC system at the Mi-Carême Centre will cut heating costs in half, allowing the money to be redirected toward the development of education programs and workshops. A back-up generator system will also be added so the building can serve as an emergency shelter for the area.
The first two projects are being funded through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profit organizations that provide support to Atlantic businesses.
The funding for the last two projects is being made through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities to develop competitive industry sectors; strengthen infrastructure; enhance environmental performance; overcome economic challenges; and build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.