News Release

For immediate release
October 11, 2002

Whitney Pier Historical Society Museum Receives Government of Canada Funding

Sydney, N.S. – October 11, 2002 – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding, under the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) in the Sydney-Victoria riding of MP Mark Eyking. SCIF projects are designed to help local communities strengthen their economic base.

This project involves upgrades to the Whitney Pier Historical Society’s museum, both inside and out, to ensure service to their clients on a year-round basis. 

M.P. Eyking made the official announcement on behalf of Minister Byrne. 
“This project is one of community ownership and goes a long way to providing both a positive image and a sense of pride in the area’s multicultural heritage,” said Mr. Eyking. “This funding announcement complements the efforts of this community group and, once again, demonstrates our Government’s commitment to helping local communities build and improve with strategic projects that they have identified as essential to their long-term economic growth.” 

The existing museum boasts a collection of photographs, newspaper clippings and artifacts relevant of the life and times of the multicultural community of Whitney Pier. “With the demise of Sydney Steel, the demographics have changed dramatically in the past number of years making it more important than ever to document and preserve the rich mosaic that has contributed so much to the history of the Island,” said Charles Neville, President of the Whitney Pier Historical Society. 

The total estimated cost to complete the project is $23,000 and the Strategic Community Investment Fund will contribute $15,000. 

The Strategic Community Investment Fund provides $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages and enhances, among other activities, the development of strategic sectors such as tourism.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund is a component of the $700-million Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge-based economy. The Fund is administered by ACOA.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

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

Office of Mark Eyking, MP
Sydney-Victoria 
Tel: (902) 567-6275
Fax: (902) 564-2479

Mary Ann MacCormick 
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7269 
Fax: (902) 564-3825
mmaccor2@ecbc.ca