News Release

For Immediate Release 
August 06, 2002

Waterfront Development Announced for North Sydney

NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. - The tide of economic development in North Sydney is set to rise due to proposed upgrades to the waterfront.

The Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority (CBCEDA) is coordinating a project that will result in the enhancement of three areas along the North Sydney waterfront in an effort to increase business activity and to encourage tourism. The three areas to be developed are Indian Beach, Munro Park and Archibald Wharf. Improvements include the construction of boardwalks, the installation of furnishings, landscaping and other related activities.

The total cost of the project is $295,500. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) is providing a non-repayable contribution of $192,775. Other funding partners include the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) at $50,000, and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) with $23,500 through its Community Employment and Innovation Project (CEIP). CBCEDA will provide an additional $10,000, with the remainder of the funds coming from the community. 

“This project serves to continue the work that has been done to revitalize North Sydney=s waterfront, making it an attraction for visitors, residents and businesses,@ said Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for ECBC and Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada. “With such a proud sea-faring history, it is fitting that the North Sydney waterfront will once again become a focal point for community activities.” 

“You only have to look at communities like Sydney, Louisbourg, or Yarmouth, to see what a revitalized waterfront has done. It has brought tourism, a sense of community, and in many cases, new business back to the downtown core,” said Mayor John Morgan of the CBRM. “We are pleased to have been able to work with the North Sydney community to facilitate the development of this project.” 

Work on the waterfront is expected to commence by September 2002 and will be coordinated by the Friends of the Waterfront, a community-based organization established to plan and implement waterfront development activities.

The Government of Canada funding provided to this project is part of the additional $10 million allocated to ECBC to specifically assist communities most affected by the closure of DEVCO. It is to be used for community-based development projects. 

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.


-30-
For More Information, please contact:

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