News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS642) -->> ECONOMIC RENEWAL--SIGNIFICANT
INVESTMENT IN CAPE BRETON
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN CAPE BRETON
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Tourists and Cape Bretoners "from away" will soon have one more
reason to return to the Island. Premier John Savage and federal
Health Minister David Dingwall today announced government
assistance for activities commemorating John Cabot's arrival to
North America. Mr. Dingwall made the announcement on behalf of
Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Lawrence MacAulay.
Next year, tourists can look forward to festivities that will
mark the 500th anniversary of John Cabot's arrival to North
America. A series of festivals and special events, to be marketed
as Reflections/The Cabot Meeting 97, will take place around the
Cabot Trail throughout the 1997 summer and winter tourism
seasons.
One highlight of the celebrations is the enactment of the
historic first meeting between Europeans and the Mi'kmaq. Another
is the flotilla of tall ships that will call on several Cape
Breton ports throughout the summer.
"These festivals and events will give tourists a peek into Cape
Breton Island's rich culture and heritage," said Premier Savage.
"Promoting the Cabot activities will help attract more tourists
to the Island and give a boost to next year's tourism season."
"The world-famous Cabot Trail is a public treasure which draws
thousands of visitors to Nova Scotia," said Mr. Dingwall. "The
celebrations will increase the number of visitors to the Island,
thus strengthening its vibrant tourism industry."
The total cost of Reflections/The Cabot Meeting 97 is
$2,708,030. The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement for
Economic Diversification will provide a non-repayable
contribution of $748,418 over a two-year period. The remainder of
project costs will come from various sources including revenues
from ticket sales, municipal and private sector contributions.
Federal and provincial funding for these initiatives are provided
under the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic
Diversification, which is administered federally by the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and provincially by the Nova
Scotia Economic Renewal Agency. Enterprise Cape Breton
Corporation is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs in Cape
Breton and the Mulgrave area.
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Contact: Bob Doucette 902-285-2767
Kevin Chiasson 902-383-2119
D.A. Landry 902-564-3617
Krista Hill-Lettues 902-424-4998
trp Oct. 11, 1996 - 10:10 a.m.
