News Release

For immediate release
May 13, 2002

MABOU RIVER GUEST HOUSE & HOSTEL UPGRADING WITH GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ASSISTANCE

MABOU, N.S. -- The Mabou River Guest House and Hostel is upgrading as part of its efforts to develop a higher-end accommodation facility. The facility improved its infrastructure with Government of Canada assistance.

The total estimated cost of the project is $123,937. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC), will make a repayable contribution of $60,000 through the Business Development Program. The project, which will maintain seven jobs at the facility, includes modernizing the plumbing and installing private bathrooms. 

The Mabou River Guest House and Hostel has two housekeeping apartments and ten rooms. All but four of the rooms now have private bathrooms which reflects the needs of today's travellers.

"Cape Breton Island's tourism industry remains strong thanks to people like the Camerons whose business adds diversity to the type of accommodations provided. The Government of Canada's role in the further development of the tourism industry is to help the people on the front lines continue to improve the services and facilities they can offer visitors," said Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Bras d'Or-Cape Breton speaking on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and ECBC. 

"We appreciate the support from the Government of Canada as we continue to improve our operation and offer the services that travellers are seeking," said Dave Cameron, President, Mabou River Guest House and Hostel. "This support from ECBC has allowed us to carry out these enhancements in a timely manner."

The Mabou River Guest House and Hostel has been owned and operated by Dave and Donna Cameron since 1997. Today, the hostel side of the business caters to budget-conscious travellers from around the world. (http://www.mabouriverhostel.com)

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:

Peter A. H. Graham, Director of Communicatiions
Office of the Minister of State for ECBC & ACOA
Tel: (613) 957-9959
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Office of Rodger Cuzner, M.P. 
Bras d=Or-Cape Breton 
Tel.: (902) 842-9763
Fax: (902) 842-9025

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

Dave Cameron, President
Mabou River Guest House and Hostel 
Tel: (902) 945-2356
http://www.mabouriverhostel.com