Ingonish Waterfront Development

The first phase of a community-led waterfront development project in Ingonish is under way with federal and provincial government funding assistance.

Premier Russell MacLellan and representatives from the federal government were on hand to turn the sod to mark the start of construction of a marina in one of Cape Breton Island's premier tourism communities. This phase of the Ingonish Waterfront Development project will include carrying out cribwork construction and will create 16 short-term jobs.

The total estimated cost of Phase 1 of the project is $550,000. The federal government is contributing $150,000 through Enterprise Cape Breton Corp.'s Business Development Program and $111,591 through two Human Resources Development Canada programs ($90,636 through Job Creation Partnership and $20,955 through Labour Market Partnership).

Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism's contribution of $150,000 was announced by Premier MacLellan.

The federal funding was announced by Phyllis Yhard, acting vice-president of Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., speaking on behalf of Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., and Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada.

The community contribution of $150,000, in the form of land, comes from the Ingonish Waterfront Development group, which is affiliated with the Ingonish Development Society.

"The addition of badly needed recreational marine infrastructure in northern Cape Breton will benefit and increase port activities in every harbour stretching from Englishtown to Cheticamp," said Premier MacLellan. "Jobs that are very much in line with our mariner heritage will be created and the addition of a critical mass of small businesses in this area will have the effect of creating a gateway to the Highlands."

The premier drew attention to the area's past community economic and tourism development successes and praised the communities' role in the redevelopment of Highland Links golf course and Ski Cape Smokey.

"In supporting the Ingonish Waterfront Development, the province of Nova Scotia is building on its tourism strengths while at the same time supporting the work of communities and volunteers who want to build their futures," said Premier MacLellan.

"The government of Canada's participation in this project demonstrates its understanding of the need for support of community-based economic development initiatives," said Ms. Yhard. "The provision of infrastructure, particularly in those areas adversely affected by the decline of the fishery, provides opportunity and hope for those who wish to maintain a way of life and remain in their communities."

The project site is adjacent to the community-operated Cape Smokey ski hill in a scenic protected cove at the west end of the harbour. Long-term plans are for a marina with berths and mooring sites for pleasure craft. It will also serve as an information centre and as a base for whale-watching tours, kayaking tours and other small water-sports operations. The heart of the development will be a central exhibit area flanked by buildings housing four to six shops each. This will increase the critical mass of business services in the area, which will enhance Ski Cape Smokey, increase its viability and encourage other private-sector developments.

"The communities north of Smokey are at the forefront of community economic and tourism development," said Bob Doucette of Ingonish Waterfront Development. "It has taken a dedicated group of volunteers five years to move an idea from a concept to the start of construction. We are buoyed by the amount of support the project has received and we recognize the important role of government in making our collective dream a reality."

The Job Creation Partnership program supports the creation of incremental and meaningful work opportunities for clients in activities that help develop the community and the local economy. The Labour Market Partnership program promotes community partnerships and supports the development of strategies that expand a community's employment base, enhancing the potential for local economic success. Human Resource Centres of Canada or partner agencies work with employers and community organizations to identify development opportunities that will provide unemployed individuals with valuable job experience.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.