New Centre for Glace Bay Waterfront

The south side of Glace Bay harbour will soon boast a new commercial centre. The 370-square-metre (4,000-square-feet) facility is designed to increase tourism and small-business activity in the area.

The $659,000 investment is part of a waterfront restoration project that began in the mid-1990s and is due to be completed in the year 2000.

"The government of Canada is committed to encouraging private-sector development in Cape Breton. Today's announcement is a wonderful example of governments working together to create partnerships that will lead to sustainable economic development," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State, Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada.

"Once the building is open for business and fully occupied, there could be as many as 40 full-and part-time jobs in businesses that locate there," said Manning MacDonald, Nova Scotia's Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "The opportunities generated through this project are vital to Glace Bay. And further financial gains will be realized from the spinoff employment and extra revenue from tourists spending more time in the Glace Bay area."

"Small companies will flourish here and the jobs they'll create will make a big difference to the town," said Herb Nash, president of the Harbour Authority of Glace Bay. "The harbour authority will get income from rental of the retail space, and this will go right back into the upkeep of the harbour.

"The waterfront restoration has helped launch a renewed community spirit," Mr. Nash added. "People are walking along the waterfront like never before. We now celebrate Bay Days every summer. There are boat tours and band concerts. It's great for everyone -- residents and tourists."

The project will see both Economic Development and Tourism and Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. provide $247,000 each in capital assistance. Under the Term Job Creation component of the fishery restructuring and adjustment measures, Human Resources Development Canada is contributing $159,000. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has agreed to transfer ownership of the land to the harbour authority, which will enable the project to proceed.

Economic Development and Tourism provides business counselling, export assistance and financial support to businesses and communities throughout the province. The department supports projects like the Glace Bay waterfront -- projects that grow from local initiative and build on the strengths of communities, creating jobs and increasing economic activity in the process.