News Release

For Immediate Release
March 22, 2005

Improved Marina Facilities at Ross Ferry

Ross Ferry, N.S. – Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced funding for enhancements to the Ross Ferry Marina on Boularderie Island.

This project will include improvements to the grounds and decking, new wharf facing, a small boat launching ramp and sewage pump-out facilities. The enhancements will provide access to boats and yachts sailing the
Bras d’Or Lakes. The project is being led by the Ross Ferry Stewardship Society, a community development group made up of volunteers from the surrounding area.

“The Ross Ferry facility will offer great spin-off benefits for the local community and surrounding areas,” says MP Eyking. “The Bras d’Or Lakes are a popular sailing destination and by installing proper facilities at Ross Ferry, we are not only encouraging boaters to spend more time in the area, but we are providing a service that will help protect the Lakes from environmental damage.”

“Tourism is a key component to the economy in this area,” says
Gordon MacDonald, secretary-treasurer for the Ross Ferry Stewardship Society. “This project will build upon existing facilities creating an enhanced experience for visitors to the area.”

Prior to the construction of the Seal Island Bridge in 1961, Ross Ferry was the location of a ferry crossing linking Industrial Cape Breton to the rest of the Island. While the ferry is no longer in service, the old pier is still in place and the area has become a popular stop for visitors who come to swim and picnic. The pier will be the basis of the marina development.

The total cost of the project is $250,000. ECBC will provide a non-repayable contribution of $200,000 on behalf of ACOA’s Strategic Community Investment Fund.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund provides $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada to create an environment that encourages and enhances, among other activities, the development of strategic sectors such as tourism.

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 Broadcast Use Only:

SYDNEY-VICTORIA MP MARK EYKING TODAY ANNOUNCED FUNDING FOR ENHANCEMENTS TO THE ROSS FERRY MARINA ON BOULARDERIE ISLAND.

THIS PROJECT WILL INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GROUNDS AND DECKING, NEW WHARF FACING, A SMALL BOAR LAUNCHING RAMP AND SEWAGE PUMP-OUT FACILITIES.

EYKING SAYS THAT THE NEW FACILITIES WILL NOT ONLY ENCOURAGE BOATERS TO SPEND MORE TIME IN THE AREA, BUT THEY PROVIDE A SERVICE THAT WILL HELP PROTECT THE LAKES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS $250,000 AND ECBC IS PROVIDING A NON-REPAYABLE CONTRIBUTION OF $200,000.

For More Information Contact:

Valérie Poulin
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Office of Mark Eyking
MP Sydney-Victoria
Tel: (902) 567-6275

John Hugh Edwards
Chairman, Ross Ferry Stewardship Society
Tel: (902)674-2684

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