Expanded boardwalk makes a strong first impression

News release

Cape Breton Regional Municipality extending waterfront boardwalk to strengthen Sydney’s tourism offerings 
 
March 28, 2019 – Membertou, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Helping Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry take advantage of growth opportunities and enhanced tourism experiences enables the region to remain a global leader in a highly competitive industry. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting Cape Breton Regional Municipality's efforts to expand the Sydney Boardwalk to help solidify the attraction as a centre of culture and entertainment for residents and tourists alike.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality will plan, design and prepare construction specifications for a 300-metre extension to the Sydney Boardwalk to connect it to Kings Road, at the pedestrian tunnel to Wentworth Park. The extended boardwalk will better meet the needs of the growing number of tourists who visit the city each year. Improving the municipality’s tourism infrastructure to take advantage of growth opportunities will boost its reputation as a world class tourism destination and spur economic growth.

The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced support for Cape Breton Regional Municipality today.

This investment builds 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, which supports strategic investments in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is marketing Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination of choice. Investing in community infrastructure projects with a clearly defined benefit for residents and visitors to the region is  important to boost local economies and grow the tourism sector, which are vital to the region’s prosperity.”

-        The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Port of Sydney has a well-earned reputation as one of the best cruise pavilions on the eastern seaboard. The boardwalk continues to be an important asset as the centre of culture and entertainment for visitors to and residents of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Our government is proud to support targeted investments in infrastructure that strengthen our tourism offerings so we can continue to create jobs, grow the economy and build stronger communities.”

-        The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria

“I am very pleased that we can move forward with the planning for this boardwalk extension; and with the 2nd berth under construction, it couldn’t come at a better time. It will be wonderful to have the infrastructure in place for our citizens and tourists to enjoy our beautiful waterfront park via this fully accessible boardwalk, which will soon span from The Big Fiddle to Wentworth Park.”

-        Mayor Cecil P. Clarke, Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is providing a $100,000 non-repayable contribution to this project through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP). The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is also contributing $100,000.

  • This funding is contingent on a contribution agreement being signed between ACOA and the client.

  • The Sydney Boardwalk will measure 1,560 metres in length when this expansion is complete. The boardwalk provides a safe and accessible route to the Sydney Waterfront District, the traditional downtown area closest to its commercial and cultural hub.

  • The boardwalk extension will help CBRM build on the priorities identified in the 2016 Downtown Sydney Urban Core Plan, which focused on improving the first impression and experience of the more than 144,000 cruise ship passengers and crew who pass through the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion annually.

  • Tourism is a highly competitive industry and a vital component of Atlantic Canada’s economy. Since 2012, tourism has experienced steady growth, with visitation expected to grow by 2% a year until 2021.

  • The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations. Investments under the BDP address any gap that may arise if an application does not fit within ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

  • The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Associated links

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3939 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Jillian Moore
Communications and Information Officer
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
902-563-5583
jamoore@cbrm.ns.ca

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