News Release

For immediate release
March 24, 2005

Two Rivers Wildlife Park Receives Government Support
For Improvements

Huntington, N.S. – Rodger Cuzner, MP for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced that the Two Rivers Development Association (TRDA) will receive funding for the on-going enhancement of the Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Marion Bridge.

The improvements will include a new trail, new equipment, an upgrade to picnic sites, and improvements to the canteen facilities.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with this community-based organization that has made the Park a popular destination for tourists and locals alike,” said MP Cuzner. “The improved facilities will contribute to community growth and generate additional revenues for the local area.”

“The Two Rivers Wildlife Park is a unique community attraction that strengthens Cape Breton Island’s tourist industry,” said Marilyn Zisserson of the TRDA. “Enhancements to the park will help attract more visitors to the popular destination, thereby increasing revenues.”

The total cost of the project is $167,325. ECBC will provide a
non-repayable contribution of $117,310 through ACOA’s Business Development Program.

The Two Rivers Wildlife Park opened in 1978 and has since operated as a popular family destination and tourist attraction. It offers a great opportunity to experience several year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing and cross-country skiing. The one kilometre wildlife trail offers a unique opportunity to view over 38 native and non-native wildlife species.

The TRDA was established in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization which oversees the operation of the Park.

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.

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FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY:

TWO RIVERS WILDLIFE PARK IN MARION BRIDGE IS UNDERGOING ENHANCEMENTS WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM ECBC.

THE FUNDING WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY BY RODGER CUZNER, MP FOR CAPE BRETON-CANSO.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS $167,325 AND INCLUDES A NEW TRAIL, NEW EQUIPMENT, AN UPGRADE TO PICNIC SITES, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CANTEEN FACILITIES.

ECBC IS PROVIDING A NON-REPAYABLE CONTRIBUTION OF $117,310.

MP CUZNER SAYS THAT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PARK WILL CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY GROWTH AND REVENUE FOR THE LOCAL AREA.

For additional information contact:

Valérie Poulin
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP
Cape Breton-Canso
Tel: (902) 842-9763

Marilyn Zisserson
Two Rivers Development Association
Tel: (902) 727-2483

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