News Release

For immediate release 
April 16, 2003

New 5-Star Resort Established with CBGF and ECBC Support

Belle Côte, N.S. – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State responsible for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Cape Breton Growth Fund (CBGF), along with the Honourable Rodney MacDonald, Nova Scotia Minister of Tourism and Culture announced funding today for the establishment of a 5-star, Canada Select resort in Belle Côte, N.S. 

The Belle Côte Resort will be a full-service, four-season facility featuring 32 hotel rooms, 16 housekeeping cottages and 32 RV sites. Services and amenities will include a restaurant, meeting room and convention hall, a spa (including salt water pool), two tennis courts, a lounge and other retail outlets. As part of the Resort’s recreation and leisure focus, tours will be available for boating, fishing and golf enthusiasts. 

The total estimated cost of the project is $5,747,000. The Cape Breton Growth Fund is investing $2,000,000 into the project via a repayable loan. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will make a repayable contribution of $463,200. It is estimated that a minimum of 80 full-time jobs will be created upon completion of the project.

“Helping the Island grow and prosper is a key component of the province’s economic growth strategy, and the Cape Breton Growth Fund is helping us deliver,” said the Honourable Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, speaking on behalf of Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke. “Over the past several years, the Growth Fund has taken quick action to stabilize the economy, creating more than 2,800 sustainable jobs for Cape Bretoners. This investment will provide a major boost to our thriving tourism industry and the economy as a whole,” Minister MacDonald added.

“Tourism is an economic priority for Cape Breton Island and the Cape Breton Growth Fund Corporation,” says Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with local entrepreneurs who are committed to providing quality services to the travelling public while creating employment for local people.”

“This project will result in the only 5-star resort on Cape Breton Island,” says Herman Deveau, co-owner of Belle Côte Resort. “There is an emerging demand for high-end accommodations, and our resort will attract additional visitors while, at the same time, create significant employment opportunities in rural Cape Breton.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $5,747,000. The Cape Breton Growth Fund is investing $2,000,000 into the project via a repayable loan. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will make a repayable contribution of $463,200. It is estimated that a minimum of 80 full-time jobs will be created upon completion of the project.

The CBGF is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia and has a mandate to assist in the transition of the Cape Breton economy.

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:

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

D.A. Landry 
ECBC Communications 
Tel: (902) 564-3617

Barbara Stead-Coyle
CBGF Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7331

Mary Anna Jollymore
Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development
Tel: (902) 424-8922

Herman Deveau
Belle Côte Resort
Tel: (902) 235-2154