News Release

For immediate release 
May 30, 2003

Government of Canada Assistance Improves Northside Waterfront

North Sydney, 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, through ECBC, for upgrades along the North Sydney waterfront. 

The Friends of the Waterfront Committee will develop additional amenities at both Indian Beach and Munroe Park. This includes boardwalk development, a small building to complement the beach area and space to operate small retail outlets. A sailors’ memorial to honour the area’s rich sea-fairing history, will be developed at Archibald Wharf. In addition, a more attractive and functional link between the waterfront/downtown and the Newfoundland ferry will be part of this project, encouraging a closer relationship between the community and the more than 500,000 passengers carried by Marine Atlantic each year. Marketing activities aimed at promoting better use of the facilities will also be implemented. 

“Waterfronts have been redeveloped in a number of Island communities,” said Mark Eyking, MP, on behalf of the Minister Byrne. “The Government of Canada views the enhancement of the North Sydney waterfront as instrumental to the revitalization of the local economy, benefiting both tourists and residents.” 

“Further development of the North Sydney waterfront is one component of the larger plan for the revitalization of the downtown area and community as a whole,” said Councillor Gordon MacLeod, Chairman of Friends of the Waterfront. “Community residents have been working diligently for a number of months to develop and promote this plan.”

The total estimated cost of this phase of the project is $295,000. The Government of Canada, through ECBC’s Community Adjustment Fund, will provide a non-repayable contribution of $192,775. Financial assistance totalling $83,500 is also in place from the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Human Resources Development Canada. A minimum of six seasonal positions will be created as well as nine short-term construction jobs. 

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.

The Community Adjustment Fund is designed to assist communities most affected by the closure of DEVCO in their efforts to diversify their economic base.

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

Councillor Gordon MacLeod, Chairman
Friends of the Waterfront
Tel: (902) 794-4261 / Fax: (902) 794-5660