News Release

For Immediate Release                                             December 20, 2001

NEW EVENTS CENTRE AT BIG POND TO CAPITALIZE ON TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES 


Big Pond, N.S. - December 20, 2001 - Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Bras d’Or –Cape Breton, today announced the first project under the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) in his riding. SCIF projects will help local communities strengthen their economic base in order to attract investment and job creation.

“This community has been working diligently to replace its community centre and this funding complements their efforts,” said Mr. Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or-Cape Breton, on behalf of the Hon. Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation. “The announcement we are making today demonstrates our Government’s commitment to helping local communities with strategic projects that they have identified as essential to their long-term economic growth.” 

The project will complete the community centre portion of the new fire hall and community centre building. In May 2001 the Big Pond fire hall and community hall were destroyed by fire. Insurance funds and community donations have been used to erect the new building shell on the site of the demolished former elementary school. 

The funding will be used by the Big Pond Community Council to give the community a focal point for events such as concerts and cultural events. The Council organizes the annual Big Pond Festival, a large, successful, outdoor concert that draws thousands of people each year and generates income for the community organization. The Council is also the caretaker of the popular Big Pond Beach and owner of the adjacent small seasonal restaurant that is operated by the private sector and creates employment in the area. 

The centre will be used for art and drama camps, step dancing classes, workshops during the annual Big Pond Concert and Celtic Colours Festival, small conventions and meetings and theatrical performances. Five short-term jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project and there is the potential for one job to be created at the proposed Community Access Program (CAP) site.

The work to be carried out will include building renovations to finish the interior, the plumbing, heating, electrical and acoustical systems, washrooms and a kitchen. Exterior work will include the parking area, landscaping and the installation of the septic system. 

The facility will allow the Council to host more events, which will result in increased revenue. There will also be a spin off economic benefit to local restaurants and motels.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that building a strong economy in Atlantic Canada starts in local communities with the people who live and work there,” said Mr. Cuzner. “The Big Pond Community Council has been very successful over the years in bringing economic benefits to the community. This new facility will enhance and continue that success.”

The total estimated cost to complete the project is $254,726 and Strategic Community Investment Fund will contribute $75,000. 

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 the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jennifer Savoy
Office of the Honourable Robert G. Thibault
Tel: (613) 941-7291 
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Office of Rodger Cuzner, MP 
Cell: (902) 578-5547 or 578-4821

Marcie Stanley, ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7876 or fax: (902) 564-3825