11 September 2009
HAZEL HILL, Nova Scotia
A historic Hazel Hill landmark is being revitalized thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of more than $200,000 to convert the Commercial Cable Canso Station into a multi-use community facility.
"This renovated and rejuvenated facility will not only become a cornerstone tourism attraction in this community," said Minister MacKay, "it will also provide residents with opportunities for continued economic growth and development. Through our government's Economic Action Plan, we continue to provide timely and targeted stimulus to communities across Canada."
This specific phase will focus support on project management, marketing, and professional engineering services.
In addition to ACOA's $204,183 in funding, the Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Economic and Rural Development, is also contributing $79,105 to this project.
"The Canso Station is a significant piece of our built, social and technological heritage," said Harold Roberts, Chair of the Commercial Cable Rehabilitation Society. "This support will help us to move forward with our goal of preserving the Station's legacy and highlighting its importance."
The Canso Station was constructed in 1888 and was at the forefront of a communications revolution. At the time, the station was one of the largest cable relay stations in the world and housed some of the most technologically advanced equipment available. Nine thousand miles of cable carried news of world events and communications between Europe and North America faster than by any other means. The Canso Station ceased operations in 1962.
ACOA's support for this project is being provided through the Innovative Communities Fund, which makes strategic investments in projects designated to create long-term employment and build economic capacity in rural communities.
Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced federal government investment of more than $204,000 to support the conversion of the Commercial Cable Canso Station in Hazel Hill into a multi-use community facility. Minister MacKay said the ACOA investment will help the former station become a cornerstone tourism attraction while supporting local economic opportunities, adding that the government's Economic Action Plan continues to provide timely and targeted stimulus to communities across Canada.
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Alex Smith
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417
E-mail: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Harold Roberts
Commercial Cable Rehabilitation Society 902-533-4433
