Official Sydney and Area Projects Thread

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=232932&sc=145

First phase of YMCA project on schedule for June completion date

CHRIS HAYES
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The YMCA of Cape Breton is on schedule to finish the first phase of the $12.3-million redevelopment of its downtown facility.

Chief executive officer Andre Gallant said the first phase of the project — which will replace the gym, some locker rooms, conditioning centre, fitness studio and add an indoor track for walking and running — is on schedule to be finished in June.

“We are hopeful that things continue to stay on schedule and that we might even be a little bit early but we are not counting on that just yet,” Gallant said, of phase one of the project.

“We have been taking limited groups of members on tour lately and the feedback we are getting from them is all very positive.”

A second phase of the project will include demolition of a part of the building dating back to the 1940s and a complete reconstruction including an expanded child-care facility, employment resource centre and the addition of new community rooms for training sessions and meetings.

“That will start in the summer of this year and finish in the early summer of next year,” Gallant said.

During a third phase of the project in the summer of 2010, a part of the building dating from the 1970s will be thoroughly renovated, including a pool that was poured in 1979 but never opened.

Watching the new YMCA take shape has become exciting as the project moves into a more visible stage, he said.

The cost of the YMCA redevelopment project has increased to $12.3 million from the original 2005 estimate of $10 million as tenders came in reflecting higher costs for contractors of components like fuel and steel, he said.

The federal government has increased its contribution to the project by $1 million to a new total from Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. of $5 million, Nova Scotia increased its contribution by another $1 million for a new total of $2.5 million, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is putting in $1.5 million.

The YMCA will contribute the balance of the $12.3 million from its $1 million reserves, a $500,000 mortgage and its fundraising efforts.

“The response from the community has been great,” said Gallant.

I'm getting more an more excited for my vacation by the day with these stories.



http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=232976&sc=149

Society hoping for announcement on new civic centre

BY JULIE COLLINS
The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — Cape Breton North MLA and Justice Minister Cecil Clarke discussed the proposed Northside Civic Centre with Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway Peter MacKay, during the minister’s recent trip to Cape Breton.

“Part of our discussion was on funding avenues for the civic centre,” Clarke said. “Earlier on we had a portion committed to the project and that created any number of problems because we couldn’t move forward on a full project.”

Clarke said it is his intention to get all $8 million of federal/provincial money identified and announced at one time, so when the announcement does comes it will mean construction and completion of the facility.

“I requested an update from the society on local fund-raising and their commitment is in place. We now have sufficient local fundraising and/or commitments that will come forward as a result of an announcement.”

Clarke said he has had subsequent contact with MacKay this week.

“For us, it is about putting together a few funding options so we can make that possible,” he said. “We are moving as quickly as possible to achieve an announcement. I know the civic centre is a priority for people. I’m hoping in the next month or so we understand fully where the stimulus projects will be and where the budget process goes, so we will be able to announce the status of the project.”

Clarke said the civic centre is on the top of his priorities for infrastructure for the region and he is steadfast in his commitment that the day there is an announcement, that the shovels go in the ground the next day.

“I’d rather stay the course and see that once the announcement is made, the ability to construct is immediate,” he said. “This is the one project that has been with me since I was elected eight years ago. No one is more motivated or will be any happier than I will, to see this project officially underway. It is a project that isn’t only recreational, but is about health and wellness.”

Society chairman Leo Steele said the civic centre board shares the community’s concerns and frustration with the lack of an announcement.

“Timelines remain a concern with the board, along with the age and condition of the North Sydney Community Forum and the possibility of not having a facility for the 2010 hockey season,” said Leo Steele, chairman of the Northside Civic Centre Society. “The board remains committed to a Sept.
2O10 opening, so we hope an announcement will come soon. The project is in the hands of our politicians and until a funding announcement is made the project cannot move forward.”

The Northside Civic Centre Society board has been working closely with a group from Membertou for the past few months.

“It’s refreshing to have two community groups working together to build similar facilities,” Steele said. “The facilities will look different on the outside, but the interior will have a similar layout. This co-operation will allow us to save on design costs. It has resulted in an improved design with all the original components, walking track, community meeting rooms, canteen, etc., but with seating on both sides.”

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=233273&sc=152

Techlink recognized as industry leader in responsible gaming

The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — An international organization that sets standards for education and innovation in the gaming industry has awarded a local company platinum membership status for advances in responsible gaming.

Techlink Entertainment has been recognized by the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) for providing responsible gaming solutions and being a leader in the industry.

The company has been in operation for more than a decade and is recognized internationally for its groundbreaking work in developing Gameplan, a unique, card-based system that is proven to diminish the inclination toward impulsive play with electronic gaming machines such as video lottery terminals, slot machines and other gambling devices.

“Techlink recognizes the complexities of an evolving entertainment gaming industry,” John Xidos, president and CEO of Techlink, said in a press release.

“Our work in Responsible Gaming, specifically our Gameplan system, has been developed with the hopes of achieving an effective balance between the revenue interests of our customers and the welfare of their players globally.”

Members of the GSA say they are faced with the challenge of developing new responsible gaming technologies in response to the industry’s move toward increased regulation and gaming as a source of income for government.

“Responsible gaming is an important issue and as an industry we will continue to collaborate to ensure that any unique functionality required to assist vendors in providing solutions addressing this is available,” said Peter DeRaedt, president of the GSA. “It is exciting to see the growing number of solution providers joining our standards-setting organization to continuously address the unique industry challenges we are faced with."

In operation since 1998, GSA facilitates the identification, definition, development and implementation of open standards to enable innovation, education and communication for the benefit to the gaming industry worldwide, according to a release.

Members of the association include major North American lottery operations as well as international gaming companies such as Aristocrat Technologies, Bally Technologies, Harrah’s Entertainment and 3M Touch Systems. As well, major North American lottery operations are part of the association.

“We are looking forward to playing a key role in working with the GSA to define and shape standards,” Xidos said.

“We recognize GSA standards will provide protocols that allow them to offer unique products addressing responsible gaming.”

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Part 3 will be Residential Sydney (for lack of a better title)
Part 4 will be North End and Downtown

Brown's Lake, Lingan Rd

by frankie09

Hebrew Graveyard

by frankie09

SYSCO Remediation

by frankie09

Eastmount Cemetery

by Ken Heaton

Neville Park in Winter

by frankie09

Down Jamieson St

by frankie09

The "Border" (with the rest of the city)

by frankie09

The Entrance from SPAR Rd...the new border as of 2005

by frankie09

SPAR Rd in all its glory (on a slow day...Sunday, I just checked)

by frankie09

Household name in the Pier

by delio 2

Whitney Pier Memorial Jr High

by frankie09

Lingan Rd, now a second main street

by frankie09

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=234030&sc=145

Ottawa announces infrastructure upgrades for national parks in Nova Scotia

Breaking News
The Cape Breton Post

HALIFAX — Some federal tourist destinations in Nova Scotia are getting funding to upgrade infrastructure.

The Cabot Trail will get $14 million for paving and to widen parts of the trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Another $2 million will be spent on building improvements at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

Environment Minister Jim Prentice, who is responsible for Parks Canada, made the announcements today in Halifax.

For more details, see Saturday's edition of The Cape Breton Post.

[xxFamilyGuyxx]

Nice pics smevo.

I hope you can get around to taking some of Fredericton.

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^I hope to do both in July. The pics on each page are finds though, these one's are from Panoramio (Google Maps photos). This page is my home neighbourhood.

I haven't looked for Fredericton ones, but it wouldn't hurt if I get the time. I'm still long overdue posting my Calgary photos from the past 7 months though.

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The full story.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=234128&sc=145

Feds announce $14M for Cabot Trail roads

NANCY KING
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The federal government announced $14 million Friday to repave and widen a section of the Cabot Trail, one of the island’s tourism icons.

Another marquee attraction, the Fortress of Louisbourg, will receive $2 million for structural repairs to buildings intended to enhance the experience of visitors to the national historic site.

Environment Minister Jim Prentice, who is responsible for Parks Canada, announced plans for major infrastructure improvements to national historic sites in Halifax, Friday, as part of Ottawa’s economic action plan. The federal budget set aside $75 million for improvements to visitor facilities at national parks and historic sites and another $75 million for the protection of national historic sites over the next two years.

The Cabot Trail, in the areas of Ingonish, Middle Head and Warren Lake to South Mountain, will be repaved to improve public safety and the driving surface quality on the Cabot Trail from Ingonish through South Mountain.
The work will include widening of the shoulder area to accommodate cyclists and hikers.

The Fortress of Louisbourg work will see structural repairs to buildings which will protect cultural resources. It will also see the development of facilities to enhance visitor experience at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

Sandra MacDonald, executive director of Destination Cape Breton, a group representing tourist operators in Cape Breton, hadn’t heard about the announcement until she was contacted by the Cape Breton Post for reaction.

She noted she was especially happy to learn the Cabot Trail project will include widening the road, adding cyclists is a huge potential growth market for island tourism.

“If they’re going to widen those roads for cyclists, it’s unbelievable,” she said. “That is something that has been needed a long, long time. Experiential tourism is definitely one of the things that people are looking for. To bike the Cabot Trail is one of those feathers in the biker’s hats that just is the ultimate experience, however not when it’s dangerous.”

Groups like Velo Cape Breton have worked hard to promote cycling, but the infrastructure is also needed to support the activity, MacDonald said.

“We need to maintain our icons and they are world-class icons,” she said.
“We need to restore them, look after them and bring them up to the standard that the people are expecting when they get here.”

Support for some of the island’s best-known destinations is much-needed, she noted, adding they are the features that Cape Breton is known for in the tourism marketplace.

“Whether you have a restaurant in Louisbourg or a gift shop in Dingwall, you’re marketing the Cabot Trail,” MacDonald said. “It’s an experience like no other . . . We need to sell what we’re known for and we need to deliver once the visitor gets here.”

In a news release, Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain welcomed word that paving will proceed on the Cabot Trail, saying it will benefit both tourists and residents.

“Local residents will be able to get around easier and share the road with bicyclists and those who like to enjoy the scenery on foot,” he said.

Prentice also announced he recently approved the management plans for a number of national historic sites in Nova Scotia the including St. Peter’s Canal and National Historic Site. He said in a news release the management plans will guide future activities at the sites so they are preserved while at the same time providing excellent experiences for visitors.

Work will include improving the interpretation of these two historic sites and working with the province and the local community to link the modern community by a trail to the canal and on to Battery Provincial Park.

Another $3 million was previously announced for Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, to replace the roof and add new exhibits to celebrate the Silver Dart.

Parks Canada oversees a network of 42 national parks, 158 national historic sites and three national marine conservation areas.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=234876&sc=152

InNOVAcorp nominated for business award

The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — InNOVAcorp has been named one of two finalists for the National Business Incubation Association’s 2009 international award for work with start-up businesses.

The award recognizes the world’s best methods to help new companies commercialize innovations and overcome hurdles. Previous winners have come from Silicon Valley, Paris and Taiwan.

“We’re not the kind of organization that goes out looking for awards; we keep our heads down and get on with the critical work we’re charged to do,” said Jacquelyn Scott, chair of InNOVAcorp’s board of directors. “But it’s still very gratifying when the premier international organization in our sector narrows ‘the best’ to two and InNOVAcorp is one of them.”

InNOVAcorp’s key industries include information and communications technology, life sciences and clean technology. The organization is working hands-on with about 45 companies across the province, including Marcato Digital Solutions of Sydney.

The government agency is internationally recognized for its approach to helping early stage technology companies in Nova Scotia develop products and services for export. Its High Performance Incubation business model incorporates incubation infrastructure, business mentoring, and seed and venture capital investment to help entrepreneurs with business growth.

The National Business Incubation Association is the world’s leading organization for helping business start-ups and entrepreneurship. It is based in Ohio and represents more than 1,600 organizations in 40 countries.

“This international recognition is a great honour for the InNOVAcorp team,” said Dan MacDonald, president and CEO of InNOVAcorp. “Over three years ago, InNOVAcorp set out to become the best technology commercialization model to bring maximum value to our clients and stakeholders. We continuously refine our business model and proactively assess ourselves against other models around the globe.”

“Through InNOVAcorp, the government of Nova Scotia supports some of our newest companies that hold the potential to sell innovative products and services to the world,” said Economic and Rural Development Minister Murray Scott.

InNOVAcorp is a finalist with the prestigious San Jose BioCenter in San Jose, Calif. The winner will be announced in April at the National Business Incubation Association’s annual conference in Kansas City, Miss.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=234874&sc=149

Farmers’ market to renovate with $40,000 grant

BY TOM AYERS
The Cape Breton Post

COXHEATH — The Cape Breton Farmers’ Market is receiving a $40,000 grant from the province and has a wish list of renovations, but most of them are modest plans, said director Charles MacDonald.

Top of the list is increasing the outdoor stalls for produce vendors at the new location on Keltic Drive by relocating the old ones in downtown Sydney.

“What we want to do is check into moving the stalls on the corner of Pitt and George Street,” he said. “That was the primary intention of the grant, but we have other modest ideas on what we want to do.”

MacDonald said the market recently elected a new board of directors and expects to elect executive officers within the next week or so.

The market will likely kick in about $10,000 of its own money and the board hopes to renovate the back room to make the heater quieter, add a good table and butcher block to the kitchen and add six or seven sinks to attract vendors who need access to water.

“Our income is modest right now,” he said. “We need to get more vendors in there. Some of it’s in flux right now. Our plans are flexible.”

Last week, Agriculture Minister Mark Parent announced $1.267 million in grants for five direct-marketing initiatives to increase consumer access to local products and help agricultural businesses sell more directly to consumers.

In addition to the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market’s $40,000 grant, the Celtic Country Market in Bras d’Or will receive $100,000 over two years to expand value-added processing and marketing local products.

As well, Taproot Farms in Kings County will get $30,000 under the funding announcement to launch a community-shared agriculture venture and build a commercial kitchen and roadside stand, the Halifax Farmers’ Market is slated to receive $1 million over three years to further its goal of building a new, bigger facility, and O’Connell’s Family Farm in Upper Stewiacke will get $97,000 to upgrade its meat-cutting facility and develop a stable location for the nearby farmers’ market.

Now that they're off the corner of Pitt and George, I'd love to see that site get developed. It will probably be a long time coming though.

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Same old story every year

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=235747&sc=595

Jobs are there, but nobody wants them

The Cape Breton Post

Can someone explain to me why there are so many people on Employment Insurance in Cape Breton when there is so much work available? I have seen help-wanted signs up for years at the same locations with the unemployment rates well over 10 per cent.

Some of the jobs are paying only minimum wage but a lot aren’t. But even at minimum wage, if the work is there somebody could be doing it.

The call centres pay above minimum wage and pay benefits. One call centre will let you work from home at almost 10 bucks an hour.

Trying to find help on the Northside is so hard one farmer has to bring people in from the Caribbean to get the work done.

I can remember a time not so long ago when Maritimers, in particular Capers, cried the loudest for the government to do something about getting us jobs. The jobs are now here in abundance and nobody wants them.

Stewart McLeod
Sydney

I wouldn't want those jobs either, but he's got a point, and another reference on a resume is never a bad thing.

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=236287&sc=152

Association asking business owners opinions on marketing

The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The Sydney Downtown Development Association will be asking local business owners their opinions on ways to better market and improve the downtown experience.

The initiative is in partnership with Service Canada and includes businesses on George, Dorchester, and Townsend streets as well as the Esplanade.

“All input will be used to provide direction to more effectively fulfil the organization’s mandate to market, promote, and improve the downtown Sydney business district,” Ross Hunter, president of the development association, said in a release.

The 20-minute survey will be carried out by a team which will set up appointments to meet directly with business owners, managers and organizations. All data collected will be entered into a database consisting of contact information, priorities for the organization and future needs of members as well as an updated website.

The project will run until July 31.

Interesting...I never would have guessed
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=236270&sc=595

Ballets also coming to Empire Theatres

The Cape Breton Post

Empire Theatres, including the theatre in Sydney, is offering for the third season, usually on Saturday afternoons, operas performed at the New York Metropolitan Opera and transmitted Live in high definition to the screen.

There are still four more coming this season: Lucia Di Lammermoor, Madama Butterfly, La Somnambula and La Cenerentola.

These operas are very well attended but what seems to be less known is that ballets are also coming from opera theatres as prestigious as Covent Garden, the London Royal Opera House, and from the Salle Garnier the Paris Opéra.

The first one, La Fille mal gardée, choreographed by Frederick Ashton and coming from Covent Garden, would have charmed children and adults alike. It was much fun and full of humour, with roosters represented on stage.

There are still three ballets to come this season, not so attractive to a very young audience, maybe, yet promising to be great performances. La Dame Aux Camélias is on March 28 and La Bayardère on May 2. On April 11, Easter at King’s: Messiah by the Choir of King’s College at the Chapel of King’s College in Cambridge will be featured.

These performances are advertised in this newspaper or you can call Empire Theatre or check Empire Theatres.com/opus arte.

Christiane Tanner
Westmount

Good to see Empire expanding its non-hollywood offerings. I enjoy a blockbuster as much as the next person, but I couldn't even begin to count how many times an independent movie bypassed Empire's screens because "the audience wasn't there". With that attitude present in the past, I never would have expected them to take something like this on.

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Well this is a different spin on things
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=236635&sc=152

Massive growth in cruise ship industry actually hurting ports, claims report

BY CHRIS SHANNON
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The massive growth in the cruise ship industry in Atlantic Canada over the last two decades is hurting ports and weakening economic benefits to communities, according to a national think-tank.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said the Maritime provinces have experienced an 1800 per cent increase in cruise ship passenger numbers from 1990 to 2008.

Author of the report, Ross A. Klein, a professor of social work at Memorial University in Newfoundland and a research associate at CCPA, said there is a need for a fuller account of the direct and indirect costs and benefits related to the cruise ship industry.

“Investing in infrastructure for cruise ships must be weighed against other such infrastructure projects that might have greater social and economic benefit for local communities,” Klein said in a release issued Thursday.

In 2008, the ports collectively welcomed more than 550,000 cruise passengers. In 1990, the four major Maritime ports combined (Halifax, Sydney, Saint John, and Charlottetown) received less than 30,000 passengers.

The cruise industry currently claims that this growth translates into substantial economic benefits to local ports, without worry about its environmental impact because it is a responsible steward of the environment, and that it is the safest mode of commercial travel, said Klein, in interpreting the state of the industry.

Bernadette MacNeil, the manager of marketing and development at the Sydney Port Authority, said particular aspects of the Klein report such as promoting an excise tax per passenger to be charged to cruise lines is something the port of Sydney already has in place.

“We inject that (money) right back into marketing and redeveloping. It is very important to the tourism attractions and sights around the island where they have become dependent on the busloads that do go,” MacNeil said, pointing to bus tours of cruise passengers to places like the Nova Scotia Highland Village in Iona, which has “become dependent on the number of passengers” from these ships.

Sydney is expecting 46 cruise ship visits in the 2009 season, compared to 50 stops last year.

According to a study conducted for the port of Sydney in 2007, MacNeil said on average 95 per cent of passengers leave a cruise ship during a day-long stopover in Sydney and each passenger spends about $68 – not the $100 average the Klein report contends.

Another recommendation from the report suggests port authorities consider entering into multi-year contracts in which cruise lines guarantee a number of passengers per year.

“This allows ports to plan improvements without having to worry that their investment will not be recouped,” it said.

MacNeil said that suggestion is unrealistic in an extremely competitive industry.

“(Cruise ship lines) make their decisions based on economics. They have to have their ships filled before they go into any destination. It’s not the cruise lines that decide what ports they’re going to go into, so much as it is the consumer that puts the demand there,” she said.

Considering last year was a record year, this year's number of ship visits isn't too shabby for being in a recession year. And I have a hard time buying that an increase in tourism is bad for an area's economy, cruise tourism or otherwise.


http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=236618&sc=595

Facility will take game to another level

The Cape Breton Post

As a coach in organized sports for the last 30 years, I have always thought fitness, generally speaking, to be a matter of choice. One either chooses to be physically active or not (Organized Sports Contribute to the Decline in Fitness and Rise in Obesity, Letters, March 23). The statement that organized sports is a contributor to a decline in fitness is not supported by facts and therefore, in my opinion, has no basis for belief.

Lifestyle, I believe, is the major contributor.

I would agree that large, high-tech facilities are not necessary. It has been proven many times over that a good, brisk walk for 30 to 40 minutes, three or four times a week, is a great way to maintain a generally good level of fitness. This is a matter of choice.

The building of a health recreation complex at Cape Breton University is not going to change anything when it comes to a person’s attitude toward physical fitness. For the inactive, five of these complexes may not make a difference. For the active, it will add another place for them to go if they so choose.

A facility of this nature will allow the local organized sports people to take their game to a higher level. The evolution of sports to its highest level is the result of the practical application of advanced knowledge harnessed to assiduous and purposeful training and practice.

Suffice to say that the better the facilities the better the training.

Bob Blandford
Coxheath

And a little history for ya
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=236633&sc=149

Millie Campbell, a volunteer with the Big Bras d’Or Fire Hall, and Angus MacDonald are shown with a replica he built of the ferry that used to run between Big Bras d’Or and new Campbellton. Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post

Former ferry worker builds replica

BY JULIE COLLINS
The Cape Breton Post

BIG BRAS D’OR — For more than 100 years, vehicles and people were ferried from Big Bras d’Or to New Campbellton prior to the construction of the Seal Island Bridge in 1961.

The ferry service provided a living for many families in the community. At the time, numerous businesses such as stores and service stations started up along roads leading to the ferry.

Angus MacDonald of North Sydney presented the Big Bras d’Or Fire Hall with a replica he made of the original ferry.

MacDonald, who grew up in Black Rock, worked on the ferry from 1950 to 1956.

“When I first started, the ferry could only carry two vehicles and the people had to drive on and back off,” he said. “It was replaced by a newer ferry that could carry six cars, and those cars could drive on and drive off, making it easier for people.”

MacDonald, who retired after 31 years as a lineman with Nova Scotia Power, enjoys making replicas of square rigs, schooners and swordfishing boats in his spare time.

“My sister sent me a picture of the Big Bras d’Or ferry a while back and because it was such an important part of my life and that of the community, I made my mind up to build a replica,” he said. “My father, Jake MacDonald, along with Bill Dunlap and his brother Frank Dunlap and Frank’s two girls, are in the picture, and although it took a little more time, they are part of the replica.”

MacDonald included as much detail as possible, down to the blocks that were put behind the tires to stop cars from rolling.

When the new ferry came into service, the workers used to stay in a bunkhouse.

MacDonald recalls one Christmas Eve when they were tied up for the night.

“It was snowing and drifting and a fella came down to the bunkhouse distraught because his wife was close to delivering a baby,” he said. “The person who was supposed to drive her to the hospital was at a party in Englishtown.”

MacDonald convinced his fellow workers to ferry him across to get his car and drove the woman to the hospital.

“I put her suitcase on the floor, they whisked her off and in 20 minutes she had the baby,” MacDonald said. “I’m sure a lot of folks have memories of that old ferry. I was happy to present the replica to our friends at the Big Bras d’Or Fire Hall.”

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Glace Bay Jr. High has a name!

http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=236938&sc=149

Ten students who submitted Oceanview Education Centre as a suggestion for the name of the new junior high school in Glace Bay, gather on the grounds where the school will be built on Wallace’s Road. From the left are Sean Murphy, Grade 6 student of Tompkins Memorial School; Jessica Walsh, Grade 6, Glace Bay Elementary School (GBES); Hannah Boutilier, Grade 3, Tompkins Memorial School; Roisin Gallivan, Grade 6, GBES; and Chrissy Smith, Lindsay Pyke, and Jeanie Hynes, all Grade 6 students at St. Anne’s Elementary School; Brandon Melnick, Grade 6 GBES; and (in back from the left) Lorne Green, chair of the Cape Breton Victoria-Regional School Board, Charlene Bradbury, secretary for the new Glace Bay junior high steering committee; Logan Cooke, Grade 6, GBES; Brandon Tutty, Grade 6, St. Anne’s Elementary School; and Cecil Saccary, also with the steering committee and chairman of the Morrison Junior High School advisory council. Sharon Montgomery-Dupe - Cape Breton Post

New junior high school to be named Oceanview Education Centre


SHARON MONTGOMERY-DUPE
The Cape Breton Post

GLACE BAY — The new Glace Bay Junior High School not only has a home but also a name.

Charlene Bradbury, secretary for the New Glace Bay Junior High Steering Committee, said the school will be named, Oceanview Education Centre.

Bradbury said the committee was formed several years ago to chose a site for the new school, to do the plans, then pick a name.

They asked for submissions from the classes of the schools feeding into the new junior high the first year. The schools include St. Michael’s Jr. High, Morrison Jr. High, St. Anne’s Elementary School, Glace Bay Elementary School, John Bernard Crock and Tompkins Memorial.

The committee also reached out for suggestions from the community. They only had four responses from the public, but hundreds from the students.

“There were a lot of repetitive ones. The committee pondered over them, deleted some, kept some for later discussion.”

She said they finally picked Oceanview Education Centre because they felt it best described the school’s location.

There were 10 students who had came up with the same name.

“We didn’t want to focus on Glace Bay, because the school involves Tanglewood, Reserve Mines, Dominion, surrounding areas, not just Glace Bay.”

Many of the submissions had Glace Bay Junior High in the name and some were humorous, some students suggesting the school be named after them.

A few suggested St. Morrison, to combine Morrison and St. Michael’s Junior High Schools.

Construction of the new school is expected to start this spring.

“According to the builders, they should be calling for tenders any time now.”
The school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.

She said there will be a community meeting sometime in April.

Brandon Melnick and Logan Cooke, both Grade 6 students at Glace Bay Elementary School — two of the 10 students who suggested Oceanview Education Centre for the name — had both visited the area before and felt the name suited the location.

Jeanie Hynes, a Grade 6 student at St. Anne’s Elementary School, visited the location before submitting her suggestion.

“My mom brought me out.”

Cecil Saccary, a member of the steering committee and also chairperson of the Morrison Junior High School advisory council, said they are extremely happy with the name.

“The name appropriately reflects the ocean view and relates to the culture of the area, fishing, etc.”

He said it was fun going over the suggestions.

“One was obviously suggested by a golf enthusiast, ‘Tiger Woods Junior High School.’”

Lorne Green, chairperson of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board, said the name has already gone through committee level of the school board and now will be up for final approval at the school board meeting tonight at Malcolm Munroe Jr. High School at 7 p.m.

“Everything that happens through the school board is funnelled up through committee level. The full board has final approval.”

However Green said this is more of a formality.

He said it was nice to see the students chose the name and fitting it was not named after anyone.

“It doesn’t offend anyone, simply implies there is a beautiful new school with an ocean view.”

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http://www.capebretonpost.com/index....=237393&sc=145

Food venues honoured for offering healthy menu choices

CHRIS SHANNON
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — A healthy eating program aimed at encouraging local food establishments to provide healthy food choices, smaller portion sizes and a higher standard of food safety were honoured in an afternoon ceremony Monday at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.

The Healthy Henri Nutrition program was established through the Cape Breton District Health Authority and Public Health Services three years ago.

This year 14 school cafeterias, four hospital cafeterias and five restaurants from across Cape Breton achieved the Healthy Henri nutrition standards by meeting the criteria based on the Canada Food Guide and existing food safety criteria set by the Department of Agriculture.

“We are acknowledging the hard work of each food establishment for offering more nutritious food as part of an effort to prevent obesity and chronic diseases within Cape Breton,” said Brenna MacEachern, public health nutritionist and Healthy Henri program co-ordinator.

The island-wide campaign, complete with a bright red apple mascot named Henri, was introduced as a pilot program in 2006.

The logo has changed slightly this year as part of a contest among all graphic design students at the Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus. Julia Perry, the winner of the contest, was recognized at Monday’s ceremony.

An addition to the program this year is the Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative, which encourages all workplaces, food establishments and public areas to become comfortable places where a mother can nurse her baby.

The program involves professional dieticians, food safety specialists, chefs and food service managers reviewing menus and practices and providing support to the participants.

Restaurants and cafeterias were asked to offer skim milk, alongside two per cent and whole milk; include non-hydrogenated margarine as well as butter; and add steamed vegetables, among other measures.

The Healthy Henri program also asks that there’s one healthy choice among all of a restaurant’s dessert items, said public health nutritionist Mary Daly.

“We set that bar with having at least 40 per cent of their menu choices being a healthy choice as defined by our criteria,” she said.

With only five restaurants among the 23 food establishments honoured, Daly admitted it’s a “building process” to have more businesses involved in the program.

“They need to know perhaps by doing this awareness (campaign), we profile them by giving them an award and it actually shows the public that they are doing a good will venture to promote the health of the community.”

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Sydney airport to receive financial boost from Ottawa

BY CHRIS SHANNON
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — The Sydney airport will receive more than $246,000 in federal money for infrastructure upgrades.

The funding announcement came Sunday in Sydney following Defence Minister Peter MacKay outlining the federal government’s plan for the Atlantic Energy Gateway.

“We’re investing in this airport because of its regional and local importance and the long-term economic development of Cape Breton requires this transportation link,” MacKay said.

He said the airport is important for bringing in tourists, investors and businesses, as well as enabling local business people to easily explore new markets for their products.

The money, which is being funnelled through Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., will assist the Sydney Airport Authority with the first phase of its plans to upgrade the airport. That includes the installation of a new fire alarm system, improved heating and air conditioning systems, new cargo bays and repairs to its roof.

“These improvements will reduce the ongoing operating costs and help preserve and maintain what is a valuable asset for this community,” MacKay added.

In February, the federal government announced money for the airport authority through its Airports Capital Assistance Program.

The project involves installing runway guard lighting and threshold lighting.
The improvements will improve safety at the regional airport.

The rest tomorrow...

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CBU to receive $15.6 million as province moves from debt reduction plan

The Cape Breton Post

By John McNeil
Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Cape Breton University is scheduled to receive $15.6 million from the provincial government after the Department of Finance announced Tuesday an additional appropriation of $256 million for university funding in 2008-09, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Gordon MacInnis, CBU’s vice-president of finance and operations, said the additional funding will provide some security for next year.

“It will be used as part of our operating grant funding for 2009-10, which is used for normal operations, academic programs and services,” he said.

“It’s nice to see the government in these difficult times uphold its commitment,” MacInnis said.

However, the province said the money for universities will come from this year’s budget surplus. That will ultimately require an amendment to the Provincial Finance Act and approval of the minority legislature, the government acknowledged in a press release.

Under the provincial government’s 2005 debt reduction plan, the province was required to produce surpluses over the next eight years at least equal to the revenue earned from offshore offset payments from the federal government.

The offshore offset is a transfer from the federal government to the provincial government to offset the loss of equalization payments due to offshore oil revenue.

The government acknowledged in Tuesday’s funding announcement the surplus will not be equal to the offshore offsets as the Provincial Finance Act requires.

According to a government press release, the funding announced for universities is $256 million, while the provincial government’s 2008-09 budget surplus was forecast in December to be $212.9 million.

Finance minister Jamie Muir said an official forecast will be available with the spring budget.

“We are making some tough financial decisions in these difficult economic times,” Muir said in a press release. “We are committed to balancing the budget while maintaining important programs.”

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Housing committee readies plans for revitalization

BY TOM AYERS
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s housing revitalization committee is about to create a corporate entity that will focus on converting old, vacant housing into affordable living space.

Committee chairman Tom Urbaniak, a political science professor at Cape Breton University, said Monday the proposed Affordable Housing Renovation Partnership is expected to receive approval from the Registry of Joint Stocks this spring and will be a developer of last resort.

“We will not see a great wave of projects this year, but we will see tangible, on-the-ground progress,” said Urbaniak. “I will be extremely disappointed if we do not. Too much ‘homework’ has been done to let this slide, and the community needs are too great.”

In December, CBRM council made the housing revitalization committee permanent, and the committee has agreed to begin work this year on five properties — either directly or through “matchmaking” with other agencies — plus one student housing co-operative.

“Wherever possible we want to farm out properties and projects to groups, even if we have to create some of those groups ourselves to ensure long-term upkeep,” he said.

The Cape Breton Council of Churches has pledged $10,000 in seed funding to the new Affordable Housing Renovation Partnership, Urbaniak also said, and New Dawn Enterprises has promised to make housing consultant Jim Graham available to the committee part-time.

The housing committee has encouraged the start-up of a Habitat for Humanity committee in CBRM, focused on renovation, and has entered into a job creation partnership with Service Canada to hire three staff who are working to establish a student housing co-op in a currently vacant structure.

The committee is also working on a funding application to the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy, and is awaiting details on new federal housing dollars that may be available for projects that do not fall under conventional programs. One of the committee’s obstacles has been the lack of an inventory of properties that are obtainable and salvageable, aside from those that go on tax sale, said Urbaniak. However, he said, CBRM may be able to access funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to cover the cost of inspection and repair estimates to help build an inventory.

“With such an inventory, we can finally do some ‘matchmaking’ before properties deteriorate further,” Urbaniak said.

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Newest Marine Atlantic vessel makes first trip to Port aux Basques

BY JULIE COLLINS
The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — It was history in the making as largest ferry ever operated by Marine Atlantic left North Sydney Tuesday night on her first official crossing to Port aux Basques, NL.

The MV Atlantic Vision is 203 metres in length and with four propulsion engines and a total output of 46 megawatts, can travel at speeds up to 27 knots.

She will join Marine Atlantic’s Caribou, Joseph and Clara Smallwood and Leif Ericson connecting Newfoundland to Nova Scotia.

The ferries are being impacted by pack ice, but with Canadian Coast Guard vessels ready to assist, they are eventually able to make the crossing.

“The Atlantic Vision is an ice class, as are all our vessels,” said Marine Atlantic public relations spokesperson Tara Laing. “At present there is a significant amount of ice, especially in North Sydney, but traffic is moving.”

The newest addition to the fleet can carry in excess of 700 people. It features modern passenger areas which include a gift shop, restaurants, snack bar, bar, seating lounges, and 196 passenger cabins in a variety of classes.

In addition, the Atlantic Vision has a dedicated trucker lounge, the first time such an convenience has been offered by Marine Atlantic. She will eventually boast a spa, which when ready will be operated by an outside interest.

“There will be a balance between commercial and passenger traffic, that’s no different than our other vessels,” Laing said. “The Atlantic Vision has completed its test runs and crew training, some centred on loading the vessel. We do have a better idea how to place the different commercial units on the vessel. Over a period of time we will be able to see where vehicles fit best.”

Laing said modifications made to the Atlantic Vision allow Marine Atlantic to operate her in a manner similar to the rest of the fleet.

“The Atlantic Vision has been in Port aux Basque a number of times. There is no doubt our newest addition will work for us, but the coming months will be a learning curve.”

Marine Atlantic owns and operates terminals located in the ports of Port aux Basques, Argentia and North Sydney.

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Premier Rodney MacDonald gets an explanation of the new computed tomography (CT) simulator at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre from physicist John Grant. The premier was in town Friday for the sod turning of the expansion to the cancer centre and the unveiling of the new simulator. Greg McNeil - Cape Breton Post

Faster treatment coming for Cape Breton cancer patients


GREG MCNEIL
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Faster and more advanced treatment for Cape Breton cancer patients was announced Friday.

Premier Rodney MacDonald broke the news of greater access to radiation therapy services with the expansion of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and a new CT simulator for the facility.

“This investment in the Cape Breton Cancer Centre will ensure that we are able to meet Canada’s first wait-time guarantee,” said MacDonald, at a packed press conference at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney.

Under the guarantee, effective March 2010, cancer patients in Nova Scotia who need radiation therapy must get treatment within eight weeks of being ready to treat.

“We will go beyond the national standards to ensure we provide the very best in care. Today’s investment is part of meeting those goals.”

John Malcom, CEO of the Cape Breton District Health Authority, said the improvements will help the centre maintain its record for fast access to treatment.

“If we didn’t replace this equipment our wait times would grow and we wouldn’t be the top ranked cancer centre in Canada by patients.”

The new CT simulator is a key component of the expansion. It will reduce the amount of time patients spend in diagnosis and allows for more accurate radiation therapy treatment.

Malcom said it is also an important part of recruitment and retention of professionals.

“If we can’t give our specialists the tools they need to do the work, we will lose them. It is as simple as that.”

An expanded cancer centre will also make room for a second linear accelerator machine to improve capacity to provide radiation therapy treatment.

“My fear from day one was always . . . what happens if we have a breakdown and can’t actually provide cancer treatment to patients. I won’t worry about that when that expansion happens.”

The news was met with joy by former patients and their families.

Matthew Morrison’s eight-year-old son Travis has been cancer free for five years.

“This is probably one of the best things that could happen for Cape Breton,” he said.

While his son has beaten cancer, he knows the expansion will help others down the road.

Breast cancer survivor Shauna MacLean from New Waterford expects to see improvement on an already high level of care at the cancer centre.

“It makes me feel just a little bit warm and fuzzy for lack of a better phrase. It is a great thing.”

The province contributed $3.5 million for the expansion through the Wait Times Improvement for Nova Scotians project.

The Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation — committed to raising $2 million — presented a cheque for $1 million, Friday.

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Cape Breton business leaders visiting container terminal in British Columbia

ERIN POTTIE
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Two Cape Breton business leaders are heading west to investigate the specifics of container terminal development.

As part of their research for the Sydney port, members of the Sydney Ports Advocacy Council will be in British Columbia this week to visit a container terminal in Prince Rupert.

Construction relating to a new $200-million container terminal in the Port of Sydney is expected to get underway later this year.

Owen Fitzgerald, president of the Sydney Area Chamber of Commerce, said since Prince Rupert’s Fairview Container Terminal opened in late 2007, its challenges and solutions, equipment and technology can provide current insight into the Sydney development.

Fitzgerald will be touring the facility along with Alex Paul, of the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office in Membertou, who will use the trip to explore an aboriginal partnership in Prince Rupert, similar to aboriginal participation planned for container terminal in Sydney and possibly the Melford container terminal in Port Hawkesbury.

“It’s just understanding what real opportunity and the impact this could have on our community, especially what jobs will be created and just make sure to do what planning we have to do to make sure we maximize this opportunity,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s a huge opportunity.”

Fitzgerald and Paul were invited to tour the shipping terminal after meeting Maynard Angus, manager of public affairs for the Prince Rupert Port Authority, during a conference in New Brunswick on aboriginal training.

Angus, who is aboriginal, is also the director of a aboriginal employment partnership between B.C.’s First Nations and Prince Rupert shipping development.

Fitzgerald said while there was a great deal of initial skepticism concerning the Prince Rupert terminal as a world-class port, it is now recognized as a critical component of the Pacific Gateway.

He also said members of the Sydney Marine Group have been made aware of the mission and will be debriefed on their findings upon returning to Cape Breton.

According to those interested in developing the Sydney Port, the Suez Canal is growing as a major shipping route to North America. However, very few ports on the North American east coast can handle jumbo container ships.

Developers believe this presents a unique opportunity for the Sydney port to facilitate a modern container terminal, accessible via a dredged Sydney harbour channel that can be used as a viable alternative for container services that use the Suez.

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Talks with airport grounded
Timing not right, says chair of Sydney Port Corp.

CHRIS SHANNON
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Merger talks between the Sydney Ports Corp. and the Sydney Airport Authority are off — for now, at least.

Capt. Terry Pittman, chair of the Sydney Port Corp., said it has nothing to do with the recent $1-million contribution by the federal government to help develop a governance model for the port of Sydney.

Pittman said the timing just isn’t right due to the ports plan to create a governing body that would be able to generate revenue and become self-sufficient.

“We certainly see the port authority would lead the governance model of the port but that remains to be determined with the Sydney Marine Group and what have you,” Pittman said.

“We would incorporate discussions with a representative of the airport within that context. Ultimately it may be we end up with some form of transportation commission. It’s just trying to determine the timing, which one goes first and how it’s to be organized.”

He said meetings have taken place but much work has to be done in creating a governance structure. There are not many port governance models in Canada or the United States that suit the port of Sydney, Pittman added.

Meanwhile, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality will be looking to continue its lease agreement with the Sydney Port Corp. for the use of the Sydney Marine Terminal. There remains about $1.3 million owing to the CBRM over the last eight years of the original 15-year lease.

In January, municipal council voted to forgo the lease agreement to speed up merger negotiations between the airport and the ports corporation.

CBRM economic development manager John Whalley said at the time it would be one of the initial steps in opening up a port corridor from the port to the Sydney airport. The end result would be the formation of a governing body for the port, putting it in a stronger position in the development of the proposed $200-million supertanker container terminal at Sydport, Whalley said.

The CBRM would, in turn, reap hundreds of thousands of dollars in property taxes from the marine terminal, which is now assessed at $11 million. It was bought by the municipality from Transport Canada in 2001 for a little more than $1 million.

During a CBRM corporate services committee meeting Monday, Whalley said it appears the Sydney Ports Corp. is looking to another direction in developing its governance structure.

“That wasn’t the approach that we were promoting certainly,” Whalley told the committee.

“We were trying to recognize that the two organizations (port corporation and airport) probably would merge. They have common functions, a common mandate and that they have their own number of volunteers that would go into a merged organization.

“Instead the ports corporation seems to be going in another direction, which would be to take on another entity. Obviously we have a lease agreement in place with the Sydney Ports Corp., so how these negotiations are going to impact the development of the port, we really don’t know.”

The committee agreed it was best to continue the lease agreement and then revisit the options available once the port governance model is complete.

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Two local companies make magazine’s list of growing concerns

BY NANCY KING
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Two Cape Breton companies are among the fastest growing in Atlantic Canada, according to a new list released by Progress Magazine.

The magazine listed 35 companies that it says have seen significant increases in revenues over the past three years.

Coming in at second place was Techlink Entertainment of Sydney. It’s operated for more than 10 years and focuses its efforts on developing a responsible gaming technology. Techlink has been in the news recently after being recognized by the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) for providing responsible gaming solutions, as well as receiving approval from BMM Compliance, a company specializing in the technical product requirements of gaming regulations around the world, for its Performer gaming machine and five games.

Company president John Xidos could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Also making its way to the list, for the second year in a row, was Star Delivery Service of Sydney, at number 27.

The company was started 35 years ago by Gerald Miller, before recently being turned over to his son Ryan. It was a home-based business until 2006, when it expanded. It now operates out of a $300,000 warehouse and office space in the Sydport industrial park. It now employs a dozen people full time, and two part time. The company has a good workforce, and that is one of the reasons it has been so successful, said Ryan Miller.

“We’ve been growing our existing business with our current customers and trying to provide good service that way,” he noted. “We provide good service to them, personal service because we’re a smaller company, a bit more personal service compared to some larger companies.”

Many of the Cape Breton businesses that Star Delivery Service deals with also appreciate that it is a local company, Miller added.

“The money stays in Cape Breton,” Miller said.

Future plans for the company include its possible expansion on to mainland Nova Scotia. Miller said it’s gratifying for the company to be doing well, particularly in the current environment of economic uncertainty.

“It shows that you are doing a good job and that things can succeed in Cape Breton, if you work hard at it,” he said.

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Appeal of development permit dismissed

The Cape Breton Post

NORTH SYDNEY — An appeal of the development permit application for a 39-bed expansion of a Northside nursing home has been dismissed by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Mike McNeil, a resident at 10 Queen St. who lives across the street from the Northside Community Guest Home, lodged an appeal with the municipality based on what McNeil believed is instability in the soil due to a well saturating the ground on site.

McNeil also insisted a permit shouldn’t be issued based on the engineers assessment that the pooling of water is nothing more than a “stagnant seasonal pond.” In a letter to the CBRM, McNeil referred to it as a well “gone wild.”

CBRM planner Malcolm Gillis said an engineering firm hired by the developer recommends the standing water be collected underground and piped to a storm sewer which will dispose of the water into the harbour.

“This is to be completed early in the construction phase of the project and the result will be the disappearance of the pond,” Gillis said.

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Region needs range of facilities

The Cape Breton Post

Cape Breton is getting a new signature fitness, recreation and health centre whether it wants it or not. That’s probably not the right way to put it, but anyone judging by the debate that’s attended the unfolding of the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex in recent weeks might well wonder where the public is on this.

For proponents of the $9.5 million project, the conspicuous villain in the piece is Chris Milburn, a Sydney emergency physician who’s run federally for the Green Party. His opinion piece attacking the project was titled Palatial Fitness Centre an Extravagance Region Doesn’t Need, when it ran in this
newspaper Feb. 28.

Milburn’s position reflects his own fitness focus in distance running and similar activities that require little built infrastructure. When facilities are identified they’re along the lines of trails, bicycle lanes and running tracks.

Anyone interested in health and fitness would agree that basic local amenities of this type are essential and that this region needs more of them while doing a better job of maintaining what’s in place. But does this imply that brick-and-mortar facilities — so-called big boxes such as rinks, swimming pools, gymnasiums and indoor or all-weather playing fields — represent a competing philosophy, inherently threatening, that must be opposed?

A more moderate view is that all this falls along a continuum which any vibrant region would want to develop in a balanced way. Perhaps it’s true that the range of population served tends to narrow as facility cost rises, along with emphasis on athletic competition and elite performance. But is all this to be thrown aside for the sake of some egalitarian ideal that hinders athletic development while getting us no closer to a healthy population?

A lot can be done to knock down income and class barriers to sport and recreation, as regional police and the Cape Breton YMCA are setting out to show in the Strong Kids program. That’s a positive way to approach access.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality found itself on the spot a month ago as the last governmental agency asked to come in with funding before the health and recreation project, to be located at Cape Breton University, could get the green light. The conclusion to that debate was an ad hoc compromise adopted at the suggestion of Mayor John Morgan to contribute an eventual one-third of the $900,000 requested as a municipal share.

That sparked some consternation among proponents but the bottom line is that the project, slightly trimmed, is going ahead, though the local fundraising goal has had to be jacked to $1 million in a tough economic climate. The municipality, having to defer needed and promised maintenance on some of its own facilities, was in a tight spot on this one, and though the contribution is small it is evidently sufficient to the purpose. That’s what matters.

Some will still say it’s an extravagance the region can’t afford, even though $6.5 million is coming directly from the two senior levels of government.
Frugality is an admirable virtue but let’s not jog with broken laces and holes in our sneakers just to make some moral statement.

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Island schools to get millions for renovations

BY GREG MCNEIL
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Twelve Cape Breton schools are in line for upgrades, following a $300-million-plus funding promise from the province.

Premier Rodney MacDonald announced Tuesday eight leading-edge schools will be built, while 41 others will be upgraded as part of a building and renovation program.

The multi-year investments include $145.3 million for new schools and $162 million for renovations.

Cape Breton schools will share $41.23 million for renovation projects, $32.5 million of which will divided between seven schools in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board.

“It is a lot of money invested over a period of time for the board,” said Ambrose White, CBVRSB director of operational services.

“Some of the projects announced will start in a couple of years and over the next four to five years will be completed.”

At Breton Education Centre, $8.91 million will be spent on renovations, Memorial High will be allotted $8.74 million, Whitney Pier Junior High will get $4.5 million, while MacDonald Elementary School is set to receive $3.94 million for improvements.

The rest of the money will be divided between Malcolm Munroe Junior High ($2.58 million), Seton Elementary School ($2.81 million) and Dr. T.L. Sullivan Junior High ($1.03 million).

“When you look at your Malcolms and your T.L. Sullivans and Whitney Piers, these are buildings that are getting into the 30-40 years and need some major upgrades — roofs, heating systems and windows and all the basics. It is a great investment and we are really pleased.”

The province also announced $9.11 million for renovations within the Strait Regional School Board. That money will be divided between H.M. MacDonald ($3.48 million), Fanning Academy ($2.39 million), Mulgrave Memorial ($1.69 million) and St. Mary’s Academy ($1.55 million)

Also benefiting will be the Centre scolaire Etoile de l’Acadie in Sydney, to the tune of $2.42 million.

White said the new money for the CBVRSB will accentuate current renovation projects at Sydney Academy and Riverview.

New schools were also recently announced for North Sydney and Glace Bay, while upgrade projects have been approved for St. Anne’s, Baddeck and Cusack.