Rural Cape Breton to Benefit from New Tourism-Related Infrastructure
News Release
Funding supports upgrades to four tourism locations to help draw more visitors to the area
December 16, 2017 – Inverness, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Sustained increases in tourism drive demand for accommodations and amenities while creating growth, raised incomes and strengthening the middle class. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in four infrastructure projects in Inverness and Richmond counties to improve visitor experience and continue to develop and strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector.
Total funding of more than $730,000 for the four projects 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).
More than $525,000 in repayable contributions, delivered through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will enable the Dundee Resort & Golf Club and MacLeod’s Beach – Campsite to renew aging infrastructure. These improvements will rejuvenate and modernize amenities, important features that domestic and international visitors are seeking.
An additional $205,000, provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, will go toward projects at the Inverness Development Association and the Société Mi-Carême. As a result of these projects, the County of Inverness will benefit from improved facilities that will enhance quality of life for locals and visitors.
These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by supporting the tourism industry to attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which is working towards making Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is marketing Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination of choice. By building on their strengths - the experiences and products they offer - tourism operators are providing value to their guests who are increasingly looking for distinctive experiential opportunities while on vacation. Building on a strong foundation will help ensure that the region is well positioned to attract additional global visitors.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Nova Scotia’s tourism industry had its best year in history in 2016 and its third consecutive year of growth. Visitors come to experience the natural beauty and hospitality for which we are renowned, to explore our rich cultural heritage and to golf some of the finest courses in North America. I am pleased that our government is working with local stakeholders in Cape Breton to improve what the region has to offer and help ensure that our guests continue to have memorable experiences that will keep them coming back for more.”
- Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso
"The Municipality of the County of Inverness is very pleased to hear of the ACOA investments made in four projects which will enhance our quality of life and also add to the visitor experience here on Canada's Musical Coast."
- Betty Ann MacQuarrie, Warden, Municipality of the County of Inverness
“This funding will help us bring our property up to date; dive into room renovations, lobby upgrades, course improvements, new amenities and most importantly enhance Wi-Fi and cell connectivity. All these improvements will give us more opportunities for grand success with the new owners of Dundee Resort and Golf Club.”
- Sandippal “Sonny” Singh Grewal, Owner, Dundee Resorts & Golf Club
“Recently, demand for serviced and seasonal sites has increased. To meet this demand, we are expanding the campground by approximately 50 serviced sites, and the capacity to accommodate trailers up to 45 feet. The new sites overlooking the campground and the beach will be absolutely spectacular, and we expect they will be ready in time for the 2018 season.”
- Gillis MacLeod, Owner, MacLeod’s Beach – Campsite Ltd.
"The Inverness Development Association is extremely grateful for the contribution by ACOA to renew and improve this critical piece of infrastructure for the community of Inverness. The contribution will help make Inverness Beach one of the most accessible in the province."
- Rob Burbach, President, Inverness Development Association
“This project will help Société Mi-Carême to be more sustainable, and will permit us to provide a better product to the community and to the visiting public.”
- Monique Aucoin, President, Société Mi-Carême
Quick Facts
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The Dundee Resort & Golf Club is the only golf course in Richmond County.
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MacLeod’s Beach – Campsite has been hosting visitors to the community since 1969.
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The Mi-Carême Centre is the only cultural centre in Grand Étang that is open during the winter season. During peak activity in the summer of 2017, the Centre welcomed 78 visiting bus tours and in excess of 5,000 visitors.
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In 2015, tourism in Atlantic Canada contributed nearly $5 billion to Atlantic Canada’s economy, supported 9,600 businesses, and provided full-time-equivalent employment to 57,000 people.
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Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications & Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: alex.smith@canada.ca