SYDNEY (NS) – June 30, 2009 – The Old Sydney Society is making upgrades to the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science (CBCHS) thanks to a $95,000 investment from the Government of Canada.
“Heritage presentation is an important component of cultural tourism and its popularity continues to grow,” said Minister Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “The investment announced today will enable the Old Sydney Society to continue to offer residents and visitors a quality experience, resulting in increased economic activity in the Sydney area.”
The CBCHS is located in the Lyceum Building in downtown Sydney. It is home to the Old Sydney Society and features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits which chronicle the history and culture of Cape Breton Island. The Centre is also the last stop on the Society’s walking tour of Sydney’s Historic North End, offered from May to October each year. The tours are a popular attraction for locals and visitors, including thousands of cruise ship passengers who sign up for the tour each season.
Upgrades are being made to the facility’s washrooms, kitchen area, electrical and heating systems. The Centre has also acquired a new display system and has implemented measures to increase energy efficiency such as improved insulation and the installation of new doors.
“The Old Sydney Society takes pride in preserving the heritage of this area for local residents and visitors,” said Peyton Chisholm, Manager and Curator at CBCHS. “In order to maintain and grow our appeal to tourists and residents, built heritage properties such as the CBCHS must be enhanced to provide product diversity and accommodate the changing needs of our visitors.”
Total project costs are $126,667. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation has provided $95,000 toward the project through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
The Old Sydney Society is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to collecting and preserving the community’s cultural and natural heritage and presenting it in an accurate and vibrant manner.
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:
Peyton Chisholm
Manager/Curator, Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science
902-539-1572
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617