SYDNEY (NS) – July 25, 2008 – The YMCA of Cape Breton’s $10 million redevelopment of its downtown Sydney facility was formally launched today at a community celebration. Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and to the Minister of International Trade; Mayor John Morgan of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and YMCA officials joined local residents in the celebration.
“The YMCA has a long and proud history in Cape Breton and the Government of Canada, through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, was pleased to assist with its continuing efforts to meet the needs of the community with a $4 million investment,” said Parliamentary Secretary Keddy. “The project not only modernizes and expands the YMCA’s facilities, it dramatically enhances Sydney’s commercial district, thereby stimulating economic development.”
“The Government of Nova Scotia was pleased to support this worthy project with a $1.5 million grant through our Strategic Investment Fund,” said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. “It is part of our ongoing efforts to make Nova Scotians healthier.”
“A redeveloped YMCA will be an integral part of downtown Sydney and will offer new and improved services to CBRM residents,” said CBRM Mayor John Morgan. “This facility will be a catalyst for future developments in the downtown area and will be a community focal point for many years to come.”
The YMCA occupies a prominent corner in downtown Sydney and has been serving the community for 120 years. The redevelopment project includes new construction, the demolition of the oldest section of the building and renovations to the 1979 addition. The result will be 60,000 square feet of revitalized space for childcare programs, employment counselling, community training and meeting rooms. The project also contributes to ongoing efforts to revitalize Sydney’s downtown core. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010.
The total cost of the redevelopment is $10 million. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is providing a non-repayable contribution of $4 million. The Province of Nova Scotia and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality are each providing grants of $1.5 million. The YMCA will also contribute $1.5 million and the remaining $1.5 million will be raised by the community as part of the YMCA’s Empower Building Campaign.
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.
INFORMATION:
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617
André Gallant, CEO
YMCA of Cape Breton
902-562-9622
John Morgan
Mayor, CBRM
902-563-5000