News Release

For immediate release
February 27, 2004


Coastal Discovery Centre In Main-à-Dieu

Main-à-Dieu, N.S. – A significant economic development initiative that will improve infrastructure and help to increase tourism was announced today for the community of Main-A-Dieu.

“The Coastal Discovery Centre to be established in Main-à-Dieu will help the community create opportunities for economic development,” says
Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton. “Main-à-Dieu is an ideal stopping point on the Marconi Trail, between Glace Bay and Louisbourg. The addition of the Coastal Discovery Centre will increase the area’s attractiveness to tourists and provide a focal point for the community.”

The Main-à-Dieu Community Development Association (MCDA) will use the funding to create a Coastal Discovery Centre in the community. The Centre will include an interactive display, as well as a unique presentation of artifacts, historic documentation and interpretation. These will present the history of the Main-à-Dieu area in the context of its attachment to the sea and the lobster fishery. Housed in the former Main-à-Dieu elementary school, the Centre will also include a credit union, library, C@P site, incubating craft enterprises and other services.

“The centre will be a focal point for our community, providing a gathering place for events that will attract visitors,” says Mary Price, Vice President of MCDA. “The Centre will also provide sustainability to the community and inspire others to initiate further economic development activities.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $234,000. ECBC will provide a
non-repayable contribution of $165,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s SCIF.

Over the past eight years, the MCDA has completed several projects to enhance the community, including signage, playground facelifts and the hosting of annual boat races that attract between 1,500 and 2,000 people each year. The MCDA is also responsible for the Bertha Wadden Ballfield and the Main-à-Dieu Fishermen’s Museum.

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:

Stephen Heckbert
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
Tel: (613) 948-7293

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP
Bras d’Or-Cape Breton
Tel: (902) 842-9763
Fax: (902) 842-9025

Mary Price
Vice President, Main-A-Dieu Community Development Association
Tel: (902) 733-2813

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