Province Assists Yarmouth Company Expansion

The province is helping a Yarmouth company to expand its operations, complete its business plan and restore a historic building that will enhance the history of the community and encourage economic activity in the area.

For more than 10 years, award-winning restoration specialists Michael Tavares and Neil Hisgen have worked to restore a corner of an historic neighbourhood to its former splendour. With the assistance of a $250,000 repayable loan provided by the provincial government's Industrial Expansion Fund, Mr. Tavares and Mr. Hisgen will be able to complete the restoration of the Charles Moody House into corporate executive suites.

"By supporting this project, the province is helping this successful company and its resourceful owners meet the demand of their long-term corporate clients," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Economic Development, "It is important that companies locating in rural Nova Scotia have the option of high-end, home-like living quarters for executives who require lengthy stays to attend to business."

Over the years, the business partners have purchased four adjacent heritage properties in the heritage conservation area of Yarmouth and named them after the original occupants. Saved from the wrecking ball, two of these restored Victorian-period mansions, MacKinnon-Cann House Historic Inn, and the Charles C. Richards House Historic Bed and Breakfast are now fully operational four-and a half-star accommodations. The third, the Anne Spinney House is leased.

"Thanks to the support from the province, we will complete the restoration of the Charles Moody House," said Mr. Tavares, president of MacKinnon–Cann House Historic Inn and Function Facility Inc. "It will house long-term executive suites and will complete our restoration of all four properties."

The Industrial Expansion Fund is one method by which the government supports economic development in the province. This fund has considerable flexibility in the amount and type of funding it can provide. The fund is also key to helping industries involved in innovative research and technology, while contributing to a prosperous and sustainable business climate for Nova Scotia.