SYDNEY MINES (NS) – November 13, 2009 – The Government of Canada is investing more than $755,000 in eight community and recreational infrastructure projects on Cape Breton Island under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) at Memorial Composite High School in Sydney Mines.
“The Government of Canada is providing timely, targeted stimulus to communities across Cape Breton by supporting the upgrade and renewal of community facilities,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our government has invested significant new resources to strengthen Canada’s economic position. These investments are not only supporting jobs now, they will make us more competitive in the future.”
The investment of $755,822 in eight projects is being made through either the Government of Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) or the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The total cost of these projects, including the federal contribution, represents a total investment of more than
$1.34 million.
Two projects are receiving CAF funding valued at $563,571. In addition, six projects are receiving a total of $192,251 under RInC. A detailed list of the projects can be found in the attached backgrounder.
These projects are in addition to the 28 Cape Breton Island RinC and CAF projects that have been announced over the last three months representing a total Government of Canada investment of more than $7.2 million.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides funding for the CAF program, which delivers timely and targeted stimulus to help communities and industries meet the challenges arising from the impact of the global economic slowdown. The RInC program supports the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities and encourages increased participation in physical activity and community building.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) Projects
Viewscapes, Cheticamp, NS: The Cabot Trail Working Association will enhance the Cabot Trail by improving viewplanes in strategic locations and enhancing general information signage. Total Project Cost: $439,957; CAF Contribution: $351,571; Client contact: Ian Green, 902- 224-1829.
Goat Island Trail, Eskasoni, NS: The Eskasoni Band Council will develop the Goat Island Interpretive Mi'Kmaq Walking Trail that will interpret the history and culture of the community. Total Project Cost: $322,000; CAF Contribution: $212,000; Client contact: Thomas Johnston, 902-379-2024.
Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Projects
Memorial Composite High School, Sydney Mines, NS – The school will refurbish its outdoor recreation facilities and convert a general purpose field into a regulation size soccer field. This complex will also include a walking track and will be fenced and fully accessible to the general public. Total Project Cost: $270,000; RInC Contribution: $90,000; Client contact: Patsy Blaise, 902-736-6233.
Whitney Pier Youth Club, Sydney, NS: This well known community facility will be upgraded through the development of a new playground and basketball courts, as well as improvements to the building, the parking area and general landscaping. Total Project Cost: $112,463; RInC Contribution: $35,434; Client contact: Chester Borden,
902-567-0240.
Victoria Highlands Civic Centre, Baddeck, NS: The project includes the implementation of energy conservation initiatives and interior enhancements. Total Project Cost: $122,250; RInC Contribution: $40,650; Client contact: Johnathan Saul, 902-295-1872.
Kodokan Judo Association, Dominion, NS: This non-profit community organization has recently relocated to a new location. The building will be renovated to enable the association to continue its martial arts and fitness programs. Total Project Cost: $9,970; RInC Contribution: $3,324; Client contact: Shane Williams, 902-849-9942.
Dominion Hawks Ballfield, Dominion, NS: The Cape Breton Regional Municipality will carry out improvements to the Dominion Ballfield. The project includes drainage, fencing, bleachers, painting, paving and the installation of a sidewalk to facilitate handicapped accessibility. Total Project Cost: $48,930; RInC Contribution: $16,310; Client contact: Frank Bruleigh, 902 563-5513.
North Sydney Community Forum, North Sydney, NS: Plans are in place to replace the North Sydney Community Forum with a new facility. This project will enable the North Sydney Forum Society to repair the roof thereby enabling the facility to continue operating until the new Northside Civic Centre is constructed. Total Project Cost: $19,598; RInC Contribution: $6,533; Client contact: Dave O’Quinn, 902 794-3216.
INFORMATION:
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617