News Release

For immediate release
October 22, 2003

Government of Canada Provides Funding for Howard Johnson Inn

Port Hastings, N.S. -- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State responsible for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding for the Howard Johnson Cape Breton Causeway Inn.

The funds will be used to upgrade the inn to meet the Howard Johnson standards. The upgrades will include the remodelling of 40 rooms, improvements to the main foyer and entrance as well as exterior improvements to the parking area. The enhancements will ensure that the entire property achieves a minimum 3.5 star rating, allowing it to expand into the motorcoach market.

“There is a growing demand for high quality accommodations and services in the Strait area,” says Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton. “The implementation of these improvements will allow Howard Johnson to service that demand while benefiting the Cape Breton Island economy.”

“The funding we received will help us promote this Howard Johnson Inn as a quality destination for travellers coming to Cape Breton,” says Paul Hawes, general manager of the Howard Johnson Cape Breton Causeway Inn. “We are optimistic about the growth of the accommodations industry on Cape Breton Island and we are ready to move forward to seize new opportunities.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $172,421. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will provide a repayable contribution of $86,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP). The project is expected to create one new job, while maintaining 10.

The Howard Johnson Cape Breton Causeway Inn is a 70-room motel that was built in the late sixties to early seventies. It is situated in Port Hastings,
Cape Breton, overlooking the Strait of Canso. The motel and its restaurant are open year-round.

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
Tel: (902) 842-9763

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

Paul Hawes
General Manager, Howard Johnson Cape Breton Causeway Inn
Tel: (902) 625-0460