News Release

Cape North, N.S. -- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State responsible for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) today announced Government of Canada funding for the North Highlands Nordic Ski Club.

The Club has used the funds to offset the cost of purchasing a new grooming tractor that is necessary for ongoing operations. The North Highlands Nordic Ski Club is one of the oldest ski clubs in the province. Its goal is to promote cross-country skiing as a sport and recreational activity for residents and visitors and to help bolster winter tourism in the northern Cape Breton snow belt.

“The North Highlands Nordic Ski Club is a model of success and the management team continues to capitalize on the club’s strengths,” says Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “The Club provides a major boost for the winter tourism season on Cape Breton Island, which contributes to the economic growth of Victoria County.”

“The facility continues to be a leader in the Atlantic Provinces in the number of days operated annually, the number of events and the quality of snow management operations,” says Dennis Doyon, event coordinator at the Club. “We are very proud of the operation and feel that this assistance from the Government of Canada shows foresight in supporting a product that could be international in scope.”

Founded in 1978, the North Highlands Nordic Ski Club is a non-profit organization controlled by an elected executive. The Club operates a 17-kilometre trail network in Cape North, groomed daily from mid-December to early April. With an annual membership of 125 skiers, the Club has a history of success, both in hosting successful events and in its ability to draw visitors to northern Cape Breton. Situated in the northern Cape Breton Snow Belt, the club has achieved an enviable reputation since its founding in that it has never been forced to cancel an event due to lack of snow.

The total estimated cost of the project is $212,750. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will provide a non-repayable contribution of $159,563 through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP).

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of State
Tel: (613) 941-7241

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

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

Dennis Doyon
Event Coordinator, North Highlands Nordic Ski Club
Tel: (902) 383-2732