Cape Breton Home Honoured

A century-old classic farm house in the Upper Margaree River Valley is among 11 recipients of the Nova Scotia Home Awards.

The awards, which honour excellence in design, construction, renovation and restoration, were presented today in Halifax.

"The owners and the professionals who created these homes deserve this special recognition," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "Their beautiful and innovative homes are enriching their communities and the whole housing industry in Nova Scotia. We can all be proud, and enchanted, by these world-class projects."

The Upper Margaree River Valley farm house, called Skye Lodge, has been authentically restored to avoid its certain demise. The exterior renovation concentrated on corner boards and window and door trims. The interior work modifies the layout while preserving the detailing, finishes and fixtures so they remain true to the age and ambiance of the home.

The Nova Scotia Home Awards encourage the use of technical and design innovation and help to increase public awareness of residential development activity. The awards are sponsored by the provincial departments of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Natural Resources and Tourism and Culture.

"These projects demonstrate how successful people can be in blending the old and new," said Mr. MacIsaac. "New technologies and new designs are being remarkably integrated into buildings that exude the warmth and character of traditional homes."

The homes were judged in five categories: home unit design; home construction or delivery innovation; energy efficiency or alternative energy; home renovation or rehabilitation; and historical restoration.

"Owners, designers and builders who recognize the potential in Nova Scotia's older buildings see not only a home waiting to be restored, but also a story waiting to unfold," said Mr. MacIsaac.

Along with the five category winners and honourable mentions, a special presentation was also made today to the Halifax- Dartmouth Habitat for Humanity Association. Last summer, Halifax-Dartmouth was selected for the Ed Schreyer Work Project, in which volunteers came together to build 10 homes in five days.

Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has been building adequate housing for people in need, in partnership with corporations, foundations, organizations, churches, governments of all levels and individuals. As a result, 315 families in Canada and 73,000 families worldwide have received new homes. The Halifax-Dartmouth affiliate incorporated in 1993 and has built 13 homes to date for Nova Scotia families.

The winners of the Nova Scotia Home Awards can be viewed on the Housing and Municipal Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/homa/.

NOTE TO EDITORS: To find a picture of this award-winning home, go to the Communications Nova Scotia ftp site. Members of the media can access this site using the following information:

Site: ftp.gov.ns.ca UserID: cns_guest Password: vEw1078K Directory: /cmns/media/homes Files: cat3hm.jpg (Skye Lodge, Big Interval, Margaree, Honourable Mention, Category 3, Home Renovation, Rehabilitation)

Information on the home in the photograph is available; please e- mail <[email protected].>