News Release

For immediate release
May 19, 2004

Tourism Enhancements in Chéticamp

Chéticamp, N.S. – A significant project aimed at improving tourism infrastructure in the Chéticamp region was announced today by
Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or – Cape Breton.

The North Inverness Recreation Association has received Government of Canada funding to make improvements to the Cabot Trail Arena and adjacent properties in Chéticamp. The arena is owned and operated by the Association and provides important recreational and tourism infrastructure for the area.

The arena already hosts many cultural and sporting events throughout the year. The renovations will enhance the facility, providing a quality venue for Chéticamp and surrounding area where many 2004 World Acadian Congress celebrations will take place.

“The World Acadian Congress will attract visitors from around the world and Chéticamp is bound to be a popular destination on their travels in the Province,” said MP Rodger Cuzner. “The improvements made to the arena will not only enhance the infrastructure to be used in this year’s celebrations, but they provide the community with a lasting legacy that will benefit residents year-round and encourage increased tourism activity well into the future.”

“This project will allow us to upgrade the arena so it can be further utilized during the spring, summer and fall season, providing a performance venue that will allow the Association to host larger events that otherwise could not be held in Chéticamp, said Bertie LeBlanc, President of the North Inverness Recreation Association

The total estimated cost of the project is $213,000. ECBC will provide a
non-repayable contribution totalling $200,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Strategic Community Investment Fund.

The North Inverness Recreation Centre Association (NIRCA) was incorporated in 1974 and operates the Cabot Trail Arena.

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 BROADCAST USE ONLY:

A PROJECT AIMED AT IMPROVING TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE CHÉTICAMP AREA WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY BY RODGER CUZNER, MP FOR BRAS D’OR-CAPE BRETON.

THE NORTH INVERNESS RECRATION ASSOCIATION HAS RECEVIED A $200,000 NON-REPAYABLE CONTRIBUTION THROUGH ECBC TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CABOT TRAIL ARENA AND ADJACENT PROPERTIES.

THE TOTAL COST OF THIS PROJECT IS $213,000.

MP CUZNER SAYS THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WILL BENEFIT RESIDENTS YEAR-ROUND AND ENCOURAGE INCREASED TOURISM ACTIVITY WELL INTO THE FUTURE.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Minister of ACOA
Tel: (613) 941-7241

Bertie LeBlanc, President
North Inverness Recreation Association
Tel: (902) 224-0228

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

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