News Release

For immediate release 
April 16, 2003 

Government of Canada Supports Main Street Revitalization in Chéticamp


CHÉTICAMP, N.S.--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 for La Société Saint-Pierre to be used for the revitalization of the main street in Chéticamp.

La Société Saint-Pierre will spearhead the revitalization project that will include trees, landscaping, lighting and the creation of rest areas as well as other land improvements.

"The people of Chéticamp and area have a strong sense of community," said Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Bras d'Or-Cape Breton, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. "The face-lift to Chéticamp’s main street is a development initiative which will help showcase the community’s unique identity and provide long-term economic benefits to the area. It will also benefit the community as it prepares for the 2004 Acadian World Congress."

“With an increasing number of tourists each season, there is a need to provide safe and easy access throughout the core business district,” said 
Yvette AuCoin, President of La Société. “Improvements to the main street will not only enhance the overall experience for visitors, it will help make the main street a focal point for the entire community, benefiting visitors and locals alike.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $1,300,000. The Government of Canada, through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, will contribute $150,000 from ACOA’s Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF), as well as an additional non-repayable contribution of $530,000, bringing the total Government of Canada funding for the project to $680,000.

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.

La Société Saint-Pierre is an organization that seeks to preserve the Acadian heritage including local history and language. It also promotes the intellectual, cultural, social and economic interest of Acadians. The Society supports development in the communities of Cheticamp and Saint-Joseph du Moine. 

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Minister of State for ECBC & ACOA
Tel: (613) 957-9959
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Office of Rodger Cuzner, M.P. 
Bras d'Or-Cape Breton 
Tel: (902) 842-9763
Fax: (902) 842-9025

Mary Ann MacCormick
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564﷓7269
Fax: (902) 564﷓3825

Lisette Cormier 
Executive Director 
La Société Saint-Pierre 
Tel: (902) 224-2642