News Release

For immediate release 
April 28, 2003

Trade & Exhibition Centre Receives Government of Canada Assistance

Port Hawkesbury, N.S. – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) announced funding today for a multi-purpose Trade and Exhibition Centre in Port Hawkesbury. 

The 17,600 square foot facility will be part of the new Civic Centre complex that will house the trade and exhibition centre, municipal offices, a fitness facility and an arena that can be converted to an entertainment venue. The Civic Centre will serve the needs of residents, tourists and the business community while providing a focal point for the entire area. 

Major elements of the Trade and Exhibition Centre include a heritage hall for trade shows, seminars and the exposition of community historical and cultural artefacts.

“Port Hawkesbury is the cultural and service centre of the Strait of Canso region, and the Trade and Exhibition Centre will serve the needs of a dynamic and growing community,” says Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “By combining various facilities under one roof, the Civic Centre will be a focal point for the region and a catalyst for further growth and development.“

“The Civic Centre will provide the community with a key piece of infrastructure that we will use to promote our area as a great business location and a great place to live,” says Mayor Billy-Joe MacLean, of the Town of Port Hawkesbury. “This contribution to the trade and exhibition component of the complex is greatly appreciated.”

The total estimated cost of the entire Civic Centre complex is approximately $14,500,000. The Government of Canada, through ECBC, is contributing a total of $1.25 million to the construction of the Trade and Exhibition Centre component. This includes a $750,000 non-repayable contribution through the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) and a further $500,000 (non-repayable) through ACOA’s Business Development Program. It is expected that 12 full-time, permanent jobs will be created as a result of this project, while eight existing full-time positions will be maintained. 

No ECBC funding is being provided for the arena portion of the Civic Centre.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund provides $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages and enhances economic development.

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 FURTHER 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
Fax: (902) 842-9025

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

Colin MacDonald, CAO
Town of Port Hawkesbury
Tel : (902) 625-0116
Fax : (902)625-0040