News Release

For immediate release 
March 25, 2003

Government of Canada Helping Local Inn Increase Their Stars

Sydney, N.S. – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced funding today towards modernization of the Cape Bretoner Motor Inn.

The Cape Bretoner Motor Inn will receive funding from the Government of Canada to modernize their Inn from a 2-star to 3.5-or 4-star rating under the “Canada Select Nova Scotia” rating system. The 4-star standard qualifies the Inn to join many national and even international reservation systems. 

The modernization program will allow the Inn to offer guests modern, fully-equipped rooms, full dining room services, a theme lounge with entertainment, health club facilities, room service, parking as well as state-of-the-art banquet and conference facilities. 

“The successful completion of the project at the Cape Bretoner Motor Inn will provide the owners with the infrastructure necessary to serve the Island’s tourism market, increase sales and profitability as well as create jobs,” said Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria.

“The 4-star rating for our Inn means an increase in walk-in guests and tour buses,” says Mike Melenchuk, owner of the Cape Bretoner Motor Inn. “The new renovations also help heighten the appeal for business and government travellers who are seeking a venue for conventions and conferences in the local area.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $650,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will make a repayable contribution of $332,500 through ACOA’s Business Development Program. The client will fund the balance of the modernization. It is estimated that at least eight new, full-time jobs will be created upon completion of the project.

The Cape Bretoner Motor Inn has been in operation in Sydney since the early 1970s. The original building consisted of 50 bedrooms, a front lobby and dining room. In 1990, an additional 21 bedrooms were added along with a banquet facility and an indoor pool. Currently, upon completion of the project upgrades, the Motor Inn may join the “Choice Hotels Canada Inc.” with the potential of carrying the flag of Quality Inns. 

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

John Coady
Office of Mark Eyking, MP
Sydney-Victoria
Tel: (902) 567-6275 

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

Mr. Michael Melenechuk
President of Karlene Developments Ltd.
Tel: (902) 469-5850