News Release

For immediate release 
March 25, 2003

Two Rivers Wildlife Park Expanding with Government of Canada Help

MARION BRIDGE, N.S. -- 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 toward enhancement of the children’s program at Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Marion Bridge.

The Two Rivers Development Association received funding toward the creation of a barn, which will house a new petting zoo located at the park. The petting zoo, which will be the winter home for animals from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, will help make the zoo more interactive. 

“The Two Rivers Park is becoming self-sustaining with improved infrastructure and second-to-none facilities,” says Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton. “The petting zoo will not only enhance the park and grow revenues, but it will add to the experience of the visitors and offer year-round facilities that are family orientated, educational and recreational.” 

“It is a win-win situation for everyone,” says John Fraser of the Two Rivers Development Association. “We take great care of the animals from the Fortress and that makes them happy, while Two Rivers earns some much needed revenue and gets people more involved in the park.” 

The total estimated cost of the project is $50,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will provide a grant of $12,500 while the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, through its Business Development Program, will provide a non-repayable contribution of $37,500. 

The Two Rivers Development Association’s mission is to enhance the well-being and attractiveness of the community by developing and maintaining a self-sustaining wildlife and leisure park. The park provides a pleasurable outdoor recreational and educational experience for the general public. 

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 Honourable Gerry Byrne 
Minister of State 
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP
Bras d’Or-Cape Breton
Tel: (902) 842-9763 

Mary Ann MacCormick 
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-7269

John Huntington
Manager, Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Tel: (902) 737-2483