GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND NOVA SCOTIA INVEST IN ENHANCEMENTS TO NORTH HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY MUSEUM

CAPE NORTH (NS) – August 3, 2008 – The Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia announced an investment of over $80,000 for the development of a Settlers’ Garden and the restoration of the MacIsaac Forge at the North Highlands Community Museum.

“Through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation’s investment of over $50,000, our government is supporting a project that enhances the local tourism industry,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “This project will add to the ongoing work of the North Highlands Community Museum to preserve and interpret the culture and heritage that attracts visitors to Cape Breton.”

“The Province of Nova Scotia is pleased to invest in projects that benefit local communities and help museums attract visitors,” said Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks. “This project helps people discover our rich past while preserving Nova Scotia's culture and heritage for future generations.”

The announcement of the investment was made today at the grand opening of garden and renovated forge at the North Highlands Community Museum in Cape North.

The North Highlands Community Museum hosts a number of professionally crafted interpretive exhibits illustrating the way of life of the early settlers of northern Cape Breton. Topics include gypsum quarrying, stores, church histories, shipwrecks, furnishings, school and transportation, and many more.

“The North Highlands Community Organization (NHCO) plays a significant role in preserving and presenting the cultural heritage of northern Cape Breton Island,” said Rob MacDonald, Acting Chair of NHCO. “The MacIsaac Forge and Settlers’ Garden will enhance our visitors’ experience. Forges and gardens were an integral part of community and family life for the early settlers of the Cape Breton Highlands.”

The total cost of this project is just over $90,000. ECBC is providing an investment of $50,570 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Province of Nova Scotia is providing grants totaling $30,000 and the museum contributing $10,000. Four high school students will receive blacksmith training as part of this project and will demonstrate their skills in the forge for visitors.

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.

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CONTACT:

D.A Landry
ECBC Communications
Tel: 902-564-3617

Tina Thibeau
Communications Advisor
Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage
Tel: 902-424-4817

Rob MacDonald
Acting Chair, NHCO
Tel: 902-383-2046