LOUISBOURG (NS) – April 21, 2008 – The Government of Canada will invest in a façade improvement program to revitalize Louisbourg’s downtown core. Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and to the Minister of International Trade, made the announcement today in Louisbourg.
“Our government’s contribution of over $300,000 to this project is a strategic investment in the development of the Island’s tourism infrastructure, and demonstrates our commitment to creating a more vibrant and revitalized community,” said Parliamentary Secretary Keddy, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA.
The Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority (CBCEDA) will lead the project in cooperation with various private sector partners. The façade improvement program will be available to local businesses on a cost-shared basis to enhance their properties following a themed architectural design. This will enhance the town’s overall tourism product and promote community pride.
“Through a strategic plan implemented in 2006, the CBCEDA has worked in cooperation with local volunteers and organizations towards achieving positive change in Cape Breton,” said Ali MacIntyre, Chairperson of CBCEDA. “Our organization’s first priority is the development of infrastructure as a sound foundation for further economic growth.”
The overall cost of this project is $605,000. ECBC, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is providing $305,000.
The project announced today complements several other ECBC-funded urban renewal efforts throughout Cape Breton. Similar projects have been implemented in Sydney, Whitney Pier, Glace Bay, Sydney Mines, Chéticamp, Port Hood, New Waterford, and North Sydney over the last several years. They inspire a sense of pride for residents and encourage additional investments, resulting in increased economic spin-offs for the Island.
The Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority's mandate is to promote and facilitate economic development including community-based development in Cape Breton County through the promotion and implementation of strategic planning, business recruitment, marketing, promotion, and community development projects/initiatives.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
For More Information Contact:
D.A. Landry
Director, ECBC Communications
Tel: 902-564-3617
Eileen Lannon Oldford CEO
Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority
Tel: 902-562-2201