News Release

For immediate release                                                  October 27, 2001

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ASSISTANCE FOR PHASE II OF BRAS D'OR COMMUNITY CENTRE 

BRAS D'OR, N.S. -- Five years of volunteer work by the Bras d'Or Centre Community Development Association were rewarded today. Financial assistance from the Government of Canada was announced for Phase II of the Bras d'Or Centre Community Hall on Villa Drive in Little Bras d'Or.

The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation was joined in Bras d'Or by Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria to announce the funding. 

The total estimated cost of Phase II of the community centre project is $250,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will contribute $155,000. This phase will include the work required to complete the interior of the building, landscaping and the sewer and water hook up.

The community centre will provide a showcase facility for the area with parking, banquet facilities, meeting rooms, bar facilities, washrooms and staff to meet the needs of local and tourist traffic. The 7000 square foot facility will include a large reception hall, stage, kitchen, meeting rooms and office space. 

It will accommodate weddings, banquets, special events, community meetings and host ceilidhs that will showcase local talent. Visitors will be able to experience the culture and heritage of Cape Breton Island and enjoy local entertainment and cuisine. As a result, they will be encouraged to extend their stay and to visit again. 

"The community identified this project as a priority and view the centre as an important piece of infrastructure for its growth and prosperity. The Government of Canada's support for this project demonstrates its response to community-generated economic development initiatives," said the Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and ECBC. 

"I am very pleased for this community which will soon have a focal point for a variety of activities. This will contribute to enhancing the strong community spirit evident here," said Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria. 

The Community Centre project has been spearheaded by the Bras d'Or Centre Community Development Association which decided in 1996, that due to the dilapidated state of the existing community centre, a new hall was required to serve all communities of Bras d=Or and area. The first phase of the centre was funded by the Association, which contributed approximately $140,000 through in-kind contributions and fundraising. The Association has continued its fundraising efforts and will contribute $95,000 to Phase II. That, together with the $155,000 from ECBC, will satisfy the estimated $250,000 Phase II costs.

The Government of Canada funding provided to this project is part of the additional $10 million allocated to ECBC to specifically assist areas directly affected by the closure of DEVCO. It is to be used for community-based development projects. 

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
Office of the Honourable Robert Thibault
Tel: (613) 941-7291
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Mark Eyking, MP’s Office
Tel.: (902) 567-6275
Fax: (902) 564-2479

Marcie Stanley 
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-7876
Fax:(902) 564-3825

Kevin Reashore, Member 
Bras D'Or Centre Community Development Association
Tel: (902) 736-1828 ext. 3830
(902) 736-3060