News Release

For Immediate Release
July 26, 2002 


ECBC supports Festivals and Events in Victoria County

Sydney, NS - A wide variety of Festivals and Events in Victoria County have received financial support from Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) through a new pilot program it launched this year. The Festival and Events program has committed $214,801 to 44 projects. In Victoria County, $28,340 has been committed to five local events. 

"This program, offered by the Government of Canada, through ECBC, is a wonderful showcase for local talent and hospitality in Victoria County. Investing in festivals and events will increase the ability to attract and retain tourists to this beautiful part of the Island," said Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney - Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

The Festival and Events program is designed to build capacity and provide quality attractions that will enhance both the tourism and arts and culture sectors on the Island. 

Rick Beaton, Vice President of ECBC indicated that in spring of 2002, ECBC issued a request for proposal (RFP) inviting interested parties to submit a proposal for a festival or event that demonstrated strategic economic impact, project feasibility and sustainability. ECBC offered grants of up to $7,500 to incorporated, non-profit organizations that could demonstrate strategic economic impact, project feasibility and sustainability. "We are very pleased with the response we received from the RFP."

The five projects in Victoria County that received funding under this program are:

Highland Village	$6,500
"The Margaret@ B A Play	$4,600
Gaelic College	$7,500
Bay St. Lawrence Folk Festival	$4,150
Festival of C.B. Fiddling B Gaelic College	$5,590

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:

D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617