News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2005

Ex Marks the Spot

North Sydney, NS –– With $150,000 in support from Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC), the Cape Breton County Farmers’ Exhibition will continue to flourish. Funding for this project was announced today by the Honourable Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

“The Exhibition has been an integral part of the agriculture industry on the Island since 1916,” says MP Eyking. ”Valued at over $20 million annually, agriculture is a cornerstone in the Cape Breton economy. This announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to the industry.”

The grounds are a hub of activity year round, playing host to special events, competitions, entertainment and meetings. This project will complement recent improvements at the facility, focusing on energy efficiency and aesthetics.

“For 89 years the Ex has been a tradition in the region,” says Ray Bragg, Manager of the Cape Breton County Farmers’ Exhibition. “With this assistance it will continue to promote the agricultural industry of Cape Breton County for years to come.”

The total cost of the project is $240,927. ECBC will provide a non-repayable contribution totalling $150,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program.

ECBC 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:

WITH $150,000 IN SUPPORT FROM ENTERPRISE CAPE BRETON CORPORATION, THE CAPE BRETON COUNTY FARMERS’ EXHIBITION WILL CONTINUE TO FLOURISH. FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT WILL ENABLE FURTHER FACILITY UPGRADES.

ACCORDING TO MP MARK EYKING, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT REFLECTS THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS $240,927. ECBC WILL PROVIDE A
NON-REPAYABLE CONTRIBUTION TOTALLING $150,000.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

Office of Mark Eyking
MP Sydney-Victoria
(902) 567-6275

Ray Bragg
Manager, Cape Breton County Farmers’ Exhibition
(902) 794-7835

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