News Release

For immediate release
November 1, 2002

“And They’re Off”
With Assistance from the Government of Canada

Inverness, NS –November 1, 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) to Inverness Playground and Recreation Association for The Inverness Racetrack. 

The Inverness Racetrack will be upgraded and modernized with a view to diversifying the target audience. Making the improved racetrack grounds and building available to local community organizations for such things as festivals, plays and community events, will serve a dual purpose by improving the overall viability of the operation and providing community infrastructure that will be used for a variety of activities. Improvements will include renovations to the existing track and grandstand, parking and improvements to common use areas and the community hall. 

The total estimated cost of the expansion is $100,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC), through the SCIF program, will make a non-repayable contribution of $70,000.

"The Inverness Race Track contributes to the economy of the Inverness area, “ said Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne. “Through this project, the operation will continue and the community will have access to a new venue for community-based activities.”

"A strong and loyal constituency remains interested and enthusiastic in the spirit of horseracing,” said Angus MacQuarrie, Director of the Inverness Playground and Recreation Association. “On average, the Inverness Racetrack injects in excess of $500,000 directly into the economy annually, in addition to positive economic spin-offs within the community.”


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.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Minister of State for ECBC & ACOA
Tel: (613) 957-9959
Fax: (613) 941-7844

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

Mary Ann MacCormick 
Communications 
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation 
Tel: (902) 564-7269
Fax:(902) 564-3825
Email: mmaccor2@ecbc.ca

Angus MacQuarrie
Director
Inverness Playground & Recreation Association 
Inverness Race Track
Tel: (902) 258-3315