News Release

For immediate release                                                  October 23, 2001

LAKE AINSLIE COUNTRY INN ESTABLISHED WITH GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ASSISTANCE 

WEST LAKE AINSLIE, N.S. -- A country inn under construction on the western shores of Lake Ainslie, Inverness County, is taking its name from the land's original settlers. The builders of Tulloch Inn and Gifts, named for Angus Tulloch MacDonald, have also planned their facility so it honors and carries on the traditions of hard work and pride of place on Cape Breton Island which those settlers lived by. 

Government of Canada assistance is helping this project to proceed. The total estimated cost is $430,000 and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) will make a repayable contribution of $215,000 through the ACOA BDP program. 

The six unit, four star country inn will include a breakfast room, dining room, a lounge/sitting room and a consignment gift and craft shop. A high quality, luxury facility which will create five seasonal jobs is planned for the quiet and picturesque rural setting. 

Owners Keith and Elizabeth (MacDonald) MacPhee have carefully planned the Inn to suit the 250 acre location on Lake Ainslie. The rooms in the southern colonial style building will have direct access to either the large (52 feet long by seven feet wide) veranda or the balcony. A quiet, relaxed atmosphere will be a strong selling feature along with an accessible room and environmentally friendly features, such as, no scented products, carpets, smoking or pets. 

The gift shop will highlight the unique arts, crafts and music of Inverness County and the dining room will use as much local meat, fruit and produce as possible. Guests will be encouraged to enjoy local attractions such as the property's old growth forest, canoeing on the Lake, nearby Inverness Beach and the strong Celtic culture in Inverness County. 

"These entrepreneurs have taken advantage of the business development programs and services of the Government of Canada through ECBC/ACOA to help them realize their dream. Their facility will help meet the needs of the growing number of travellers seeking unique country inns in special settings," said Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Bras d'Or B Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and ECBC. 

"As a native of West Lake Ainslie, I am very happy to be able to return and open a business which will compliment the beauty of this area. Thanks to the help and encouragement received from the Government of Canada we are looking forward to offering this accommodation and dining service and providing employment for local people," said Elizabeth MacPhee.

Funding for this project 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.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jennifer Savoy
Minister Robert G. Thibault's office
Tel: (613) 941-7241
Fax:(613) 941-7844

Tina Thibeau, Communications Assistant 
Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP 
Cell: (902) 578-5547

Marcie Stanley
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-7876
Fax:(902) 564-3825
E-mail: mstanley@ecbc.ca

Elizabeth (MacDonald) MacPhee
Tulloch Inn and Gifts 
Tel: (902) 258-3194