November 29, 2022 · Canso, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The tourism industry is vital to the Atlantic Canadian economy and supports thousands of local jobs and businesses. The Government of Canada is investing to improve tourism infrastructure in Canso, helping to draw and keep visitors longer, and showcase the area as a location for special events.
Upgrades to historic building site and waterfront to attract visitors
Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, announced a non-repayable contribution of $490,000, through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund, to the Municipality of the District of Guysborough. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The funding will help the municipality upgrade tourism infrastructure at the historic Commercial Cable building site in Hazel Hill. The building was torn down in 2017, leaving massive granite foundation stones. Improvements to the site will include stabilization of the foundation; the addition of railings, decking and lighting; landscaping; and interpretation panels.
The investment will also support enhancements to the Canso waterfront, historically a working waterfront for the fish and seafood industry. Improvements to the waterfront will include lighting upgrades to the Harbourfront Trail; the addition of a small bandstand, three waterfront kiosks and accessible washroom facilities, as well as the expansion of the boardwalk.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to helping rural regions strengthen their tourism offerings, attract more visitors and events, and build a more resilient, inclusive economy.
