News Release

For immediate release
October 5, 2002

Millville Community Centre Receives Government of Canada Funding

Millville, N.S. – October 5, 2002 – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding, under the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) in the Sydney-Victoria riding of MP Mark Eyking. SCIF projects are designed to help local communities strengthen their economic base in order to attract investment and job creation.

“This community has been working diligently to replace its community centre and this funding complements their efforts,” said Mr. Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “The announcement we are making today demonstrates our Government’s commitment to helping local communities with strategic projects that they have identified as essential to their long-term economic growth.” 

The project will upgrade the community centre and see the building equipped for the potential installation of a Community Access Program site to provide public Internet access. 

The centre came into existence after the closure of the Millville school in the 1970’s. The community saw the need for a centre and acquired the existing building allowing them to play host to various local events. In 1985, in conjunction with several community groups, the facility underwent an expansion. Over the last fifteen years, demand for the use of the centre has grown to the point where a major upgrade is now required. 

The facility currently hosts many community events and is one of the venues for the annual Celtic Colours International Festival. The renovations will allow the centre to continue to host the Celtic Colours event, which attracts hundreds of people to the area. The renovations will also enhance the facility’s ability to host other tourist events, which will result in increased revenue and spin off economic benefits to nearby businesses, restaurants and accommodations.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that building a strong economy in Atlantic Canada starts in local communities with the people who live and work here,” said Mr. Eyking. “The people of Millville and surrounding areas have been very successful over the years in bringing economic benefits to the community. This renovated facility will enhance and continue that success.”

The total estimated cost to complete the project is $80,000 and the Strategic Community Investment Fund will contribute $50,000. 

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

The Strategic Community Investment Fund is a component of the $700-million Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge-based economy. 


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of State
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Office of Mark Eyking, MP
Sydney-Victoria 
Tel: (902) 567-6275
Fax: (902) 564-2479

Mary Ann MacCormick 
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7269 
Fax: (902) 564-3825
mmaccor2@ecbc.ca