News Release

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2002

Government of Canada Funding Boosts Richmond County

Richmond County, NS, -- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding totalling $342,144 for three Richmond County projects, under the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) and the Business Development Program (BDP). 

Through BDP, assistance was announced for further development of the Cape Auguet hiking trail on Isle Madame as well improvements to the Arichat waterfront.

Under SCIF, the Richmond County Arena in Louisdale will undergo an expansion and modernization. SCIF projects are designed to help local communities strengthen their economic base.

“The three projects announced today have been led by community-based organizations, dedicated to building a brighter future for residents of the area,” said Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “They are to be commended for their vision and commitment.”

“It really is an exciting day for Development Isle Madame Association and the Isle Madame Historical Society,” said Brenda Martell, acting executive director for the Association. “The development of the waterfront and the trail provide yet another reason for visitors to stop and savour all that Ile Madame has to offer. Residents and visitors alike will better appreciate the culture and beauty of the Island.”

The Arichat Waterfront will be improved with the installation of cobblestone walkways and heritage-style lampposts. Existing buildings will receive a special lifetime stained treatment to keep a natural weathered look, in keeping with the historical atmosphere. Public washrooms as well as an out-door stage will be constructed. The project includes a conceptual plan for this and future phases of development. The total cost is $174,081 and through the Business Development Program, the Government of Canada has authorized $123,093. 

The Cape Auguet hiking trail will be upgraded by adding new signage and interpretive gazebos along its 4.5 kilometre eco-trail of beach and rocky coastline. The total cost of this project is $214,927. The Government of Canada has assisted with $154,051, again, through its Business Development Program.

The Richmond County Arena will be expanded and modernized making the entire building wheelchair accessible, with additional meeting space added. The project will attract additional investment to the area, as the renovations will provide the infrastructure required to host meetings, seminars and small conferences. The total estimated cost to complete the project is $85,000 and the Strategic Community Investment Fund will contribute $65,000.

“With these renovations, the Richmond County Arena will offer better access for everyone in the community, including our handicapped visitors. We see it as a boost for the local economy as well, since the additional meeting space will attract additional investment to the area, with meetings, seminars and conferences being hosted here,” said Robert L. Samson, representative from the Richmond Arena Association. 

The Strategic Community Investment Fund provides $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages and enhances, economic development. The Strategic Community Investment Fund is a component of the $700-million Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge-based economy. 

Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

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.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan 
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne 
Minister of State 
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP
Bras d’Or-Cape Breton
Tel: (902) 842-9763 
Fax: (902) 842-9025

Brenda Martell 
Executive Director 
Development Isle Madame Association 
Isle Madame Historical Society
(902) 226-1918

Robert L. Samson, President
Richmond Arena Association
(902) 345-2998

Mary Ann MacCormick 
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7269 
Fax: (902) 564-3825
mmaccor2@ecbc.ca