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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA BOOSTS YMCA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

SYDNEY (NS) – March 7, 2009 – The Government of Canada is demonstrating its on-going support for the YMCA of Cape Breton by increasing its investment in the redevelopment of the Sydney YMCA.

Funding of $1 million was announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

“The YMCA is one of the oldest and most diverse community service organizations on Cape Breton Island and a great deal of community effort has gone into plans to modernize and expand the downtown Sydney facility,” said Minister MacKay. “The new YMCA will continue to serve the residents of Cape Breton while enhancing the vitality of downtown Sydney and overall quality of life in the community.”

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) is increasing its contributions by $1 million in support of the YMCA of Cape Breton’s plans to expand and modernize its Charlotte Street facility.

The total ECBC contribution now stands at $5 million. The YMCA’s Empower Building Campaign has increased its fundraising target to $1.8 million.

The YMCA redevelopment includes the construction of new space, 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 rooms and health and wellness programs. The project will also have a positive impact on the ongoing efforts to revitalize Sydney’s downtown core. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010.

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 the Mulgrave area.

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INFORMATION:

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