ELEVATE Cape Breton - Fall 2019

DOWNTOWN DESTINATION P22 NSCC to redevelop Sydney waterfront

CANNABIS CAN P26 Helping veterans with PTSD

DECEMBER 2019

EXPANDING ESKASONI P28 New developments improve community care

A PUBLICATION FROM THE CAPE BRETON PARTNERSHIP

WORLD RENOWNED, YEAR-ROUND

Welcoming four seasons of tourism to Cape Breton Island

PG 18

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DECEMBER 2019 / VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4

ON THE COVER

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22 NSCC to build destination campus

28 Constructing community

24 Improving care across Cape Breton

PLUS

26 Significant investment in Cape Breton Island to help veterans heal

Rejuvenation of Marconi Campus plans to bring new life to downtown Sydney

WORLD RENOWNED, YEAR-ROUND

WELCOMING FOUR SEASONS OF TOURISM TO CAPE BRETON On cover: Overlooking the Innovation Shed headquarters at the Golden Grove in Margaree.

Nova Scotia Health Authority embarks on major developments

How Cape Breton cannabis assists veterans with PTSD

Eskasoni expands to include new facilities built to help residents celebrate culture and traditions 4

PRESIDENT & CEO’S MESSAGE

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REGIONAL BUZZ FEATURE: HARBOUR WARS

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REGIONAL BUZZ

Above: Lipno Treetop Walk, located in Lipno, Czech Republic is the inspiration for the tree walk being designed for Cape Smokey.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors Executive Sandra Killam, Seaside Wireless Communications Inc. – Chair Steve Parsons, Eskasoni Corporate – Vice-Chair Rob Wadden, Grant Thornton – Treasurer Jennifer MacLeod, MacLeod Lorway Insurance – Secretary Brian Purchase, Schwartz Furniture – Director Directors Damien Barry, Louisbourg Seafoods Tracey Boutilier, Vibe Creative Group Osborne Burke, Victoria Co-operative Fisheries Ltd. Howie Doiron, Lindsay Construction Amanda Mombourquette, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce Dan MacDonald, CBCL Ltd. Steve Parsons, Eskasoni Corporate Beth Mason, Verschuren Centre, CBU Monica McCarthy, East Coast Credit Union Allan Eddy, Port Hawkesbury Paper Jillian Janega, Cabot Links James Wooder, JBW Consulting Inc. Fred Tilley, Marconi Campus, NSCC Jennifer Martin, Membertou Corporate Brian Purchase, Schwartz Furniture Paul Breski, Nova Scotia Power

Cape Breton Partnership Contact

Elevate is published by The SaltWire Network on behalf of the Cape Breton Partnership.

SYDNEY OFFICE 285 Alexandra Street Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 2E8 Telephone: 902-562-0122 or 902-562-7182

President and CEO: Mark Lever Director, Product Management: Lindsey Bunin Advertising Sales: Scott MacQuarrie Director, Sales & Marketing – Cape Breton Post 902-371-0417 scott.macquarrie@cbpost.com

PORT HAWKESBURY OFFICE 609 Church Street Suite 101 Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia B9A 2X4 Telephone: 902-625-0958 For more information about the Cape Breton Partnership visit www.capebretonpartnership.com.

For any questions about Elevate Magazine, contact the Cape Breton Partnership at 902-562-0122 or by email at elevate@capebretonpartnership.com.

Elevate Magazine Lead: Kathleen MacLeod Editor: Nicole Gnazdowsky Layout & Design: Peter Ross Cover Photo: Matt MacKay-Lyons Contributing Writers: Kathleen MacLeod, Lynn Morrison

Disclaimer Elevate magazine makes no warranties of any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of information contained herein. The views contained in this magazine are those of the writers and advertisers; they do not necessarily reflect the views of Elevate magazine and its publisher The SaltWire Network.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ELEVATE

PRESIDENT & CEO’S MESSAGE

Island investments Leaving a legacy in Cape Breton-Unama'ki

CARLA ARSENAULT

President & CEO, Cape Breton Partnership

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n our last edition of Elevate, we brought you stories about one of Cape BretonUnama’ki’s thriving sectors — the creative economy. In this edition, we will tell you about significant infrastructure projects that will no doubt be long-term game changers for our future landscape. Their size and geographical spread will mean significant economic spin offs for years to come.

Most Cape Bretoners have heard of Alexander Graham Bell’s famous quote, “I have travelled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all."

Many of us, no doubt, would agree with this statement. But sharing this beauty with the world often comes primarily during our tourist season from May through October.

There is so much more to experience in Cape Breton-Unama’ki and a number of motivated business leaders are recognizing the tourism opportunities presented by experiencing our four seasons.

According to Tourism Nova Scotia, in 2018 Nova Scotia tourism revenues reached an estimated $2.61 billion, a 0.3 per cent increase over 2017. Our tourism industry is working to reach $4 billion in revenue by 2024, a goal identified by the Ivany Commission in 2014.

Cape Breton is a significant part of this sector.

Four-season tourism opportunities will not only grow Cape Breton-Unama’ki’s tourism market, but will help create year-round sustainable employment opportunities. In this issue of Elevate you will learn about the developers of The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club & Resort and their transformation of the former Birches Country Inn property.

You will also learn about developer Joseph Balaz and his partners at Cape Smokey Holdings’ plans to revitalize the former Ski

Cape Smokey into a four-season tourism destination including the addition of a tree walk, as well as exciting plans for the historic Golden Grove property at Margaree, owned

by Brook Smith who is working with Brian Mackay-Lyons and Talbot Sweetapple of Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects. And finally, you will learn about Veterans for Healing Founder, Fabian Henry, and his plans for the scenic Chimney Corner, Pipers Glen and Inverness.

Four-season tourism isn’t the only exciting opportunity on the horizon for Cape Breton.

Over the next number of years there will be significant investments in health care and education resulting in millions of dollars in infrastructure investment and jobs. From the NSCC campus relocation to the waterfront in downtown Sydney, to the NSCC residence in Port Hawkesbury, to the long-term care facility in Eskasoni and the multiple health care projects in CBRM — these projects are the largest provincial investments on Cape Breton Island in recent history. Investments that are sure to leave a legacy in Cape Breton-Unama’ki and what we hope will further assist in the growth and development of our community.

I encourage you to read on to learn more about the exciting things happening right here on our beautiful Island. There is a noticeable energy in the air and these stories give us some insight into just some of the many reasons why. ■

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DECEMBER 2019

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BRITTANY MACINNES PHYSIOTHERAPIST REID PHYSIO

YOUNG TALENT SETTLING IN CAPE BRETON

Guy Reid of Sydney knows a thing or two about building a strong business with in-demand talent. His secret: Cape Breton graduates.

“The grads we hire are always from Cape Breton and usually it’s a person who wants to come back home and make a livelihood here,” says Reid, owner of Reid Physio, one of the only privately owned physiotherapy clinics on the Island. “We want to support those from our community who are returning and ultimately contributing to local economic growth.”

Hiring well-educated young people is good for the Cape Breton economy but, for Reid, it also makes good business sense.

“The graduates we’ve hired bring different skill sets, a different way of looking at things and a great attitude and work-ethic,” he says. “They’re having a huge impact, and our clients, and our business, are benefiting.”

“I feel so lucky to have found full-time permanent work, and only a 20-minute commute from home.”

Brittany is practicing all the skills she picked up in university, including clinical reasoning and manual therapy.

The physio community in Nova Scotia is tight-knit, making it a matter of time before Reid found out about a funding program that other clinics were using to hire grads.

GTO helps small businesses under 100 full-time employees, start-ups, social enterprises and non-profits hire recent grads for permanent, full-time jobs in Nova Scotia.

THE GRADUATES WE’VE HIRED BRING DIFFERENT SKILL SETS, A DIFFERENT WAY OF LOOKING AT THINGS AND A GREAT ATTITUDE AND WORK-ETHIC.

Brittany MacInnes, a Glace Bay native, completed her master’s in Physiotherapy at Dalhousie in Halifax and wanted to make the return-trip home. A job offer from Reid Physio was the deciding factor, and she’s now one of three physiotherapists, seeing between 13 to 20 physio clients a day.

GTO offers 25% of a grad’s first-year (35% if the grad is diverse) and 12.5% of a grad’s second-year salary to eligible employers in the province.

“The application process was simple and straight forward, and we were approved for funding to make a hire in no time,” says Reid.

About 600 employers in virtually every industry have hired more than 1,000 recent graduates across Nova Scotia with the support of GTO funding, including a number in communities across Cape Breton.

Learn more about how the GTO program can benefit your company at novascotia.ca/GTO. Applications are typically turned around within five business days.

“At a private clinic like this I can treat my own patients and work independently. I also have access to great mentors that I can learn from,” says Brittany.

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Harbour Wars reels in fun and funds Local businesses and residents take part in community fundraiser

STORY KATHLEEN MACLEOD

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hen local communities and businesses come together, anything can happen. The case wasn’t any different for the inaugural Harbour Wars, which took place on Aug. 24, 2019. More than 50 local businesses came together with the surrounding communities in Richmond County to highlight the local fishing industry and raise money for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Patient Care Fund to strengthen health care for cancer patients on Cape Breton Island.

Harbour Wars, a friendly skills competition, challenges men and women in Cape Breton’s fishing industry to raise funds and compete. The day’s events included the cod fish shuffle, fish filleting, dory races, a nautical obstacle course and tug of war. In addition to bragging rights, there was a grand prize of $1,000 for the winning team of the skills competition. The 2019 winners, Grandpère’s Boys, graciously donated their winnings back to the Cancer Patient Care Fund.

PHOTOS STEVE RANKIN

Overall, the event was an incredible success, thanks in part to the nearly $15,000 in sponsorship from local businesses.

Attracting over 300 people to Little Harbour, Richmond County, the event included a number of activities for the general public as well, including local seafood and live entertainment.

BUSINESS NEWS

Harbour Wars raised an impressive $23,682 for the Cancer Patient Care Fund.

With a successful inaugural event, the Harbour Wars planning committee and participants are looking forward to making the fundraiser an annual occurrence in Richmond County, with the second annual event already scheduled for Aug. 22, 2020. ■

DECEMBER 2019

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REGIONAL BUZZ receive $2 million in funding for upgrades to the community’s water infrastructure. In addition, funding support of $426,000 was announced toward the expansion of We’koqma’q First Nation’s Steelhead Trout Farm through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program, creating full-time employment, on-the-job training and an overall increase in revenue.

Both the upgrade and expansion projects will help to grow the local economies of the community and improve the quality of life in the region.

Initiative celebrates Cape Breton food producers

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Cape Breton teen’s magazine connecting with a global audience

A local Cape Breton teen with a passion for art, design and music has had an international impact with her handmade creations. Eighteen-year-old Gee Stewart of Sydney River shares her artistic talents and those of others in a magazine titled Guillozine, which she first published a year and a half ago. Stewart’s magazine includes artwork, poetry, stories and even photographs that are sent to her by other artists and creatives from all over the world.

Once collected, Stewart draws, glues, binds and stitches the work together into a magazine before circulating each month in hard copy and online. As of now, Stewart has an audience of readers on every continent. In recognition of her hard work and dedication, she received a nomination for a 2019 Vital Excellence Award that recognizes Cape Bretoners ranging in age from 16 to 40 who are making a positive difference on the Island.

Bay It Forward receives funding to help young entrepreneurs

Bay It Forward, Glace Bay’s community development organization, has received federal and provincial assistance to help young entrepreneurs develop the necessary skills to turn their dreams into reality. The non-profit organization received $107,714 in funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund and $60,000 from the

province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. This funding will aid in the development of “ARTpreneurs,” a 10-week program delivered in partnership with Youth Art Connection to work with youth in the community of Glace Bay that have an interest in art and culture. The “ARTpreneur” program places a focus on developing the skills of youth in the community to set them up for success as future entrepreneurs.

We’koqma’q First Nation to improve water infrastructure and expand Steelhead Trout Farm

The Canadian government is partnering with First Nations communities to improve infrastructure and economic development projects, leading to building healthier and more sustainable communities.

In late August, Indigenous Services Canada announced that the community of We’koqma’q would

BUSINESS NEWS

This past September, Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, the Cape Breton Food Hub, A Better Bite Community Kitchen and several local businesses came together to celebrate and support local farmers in Cape Breton. The 50% Local September Celebration encouraged residents of Cape Breton to support their local farmers by signing an online pledge to source 50 per cent of their produce from local vendors during September — an extremely busy month for farmers in Cape Breton. To encourage the practice of buying local, the month-long celebration included cooking workshops, tours of local farms and a farm-to-table style dinner with Cruisin’ Cuisine food truck.

Floatplane charter eyed for Grand Narrows Hotel

Grand Narrows Hotel, a 132-yearold hotel located in Cape Breton, has hosted some extremely special guests in its history — preserved documents contain names of guests such as Alexander Graham Bell, Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft and Grover Cleveland to name a few. The hotel, located on the eastern shore of the Barra Strait, has a deep history dating back to the 1800s, making it a meaningful purchase for its new owner, Davis Strang. Strang, who is originally from Cape Breton and now lives in Calgary, purchased the 6,490-square-foot hotel. As an

DECEMBER 2019

experienced pilot, he has a longterm goal of operating a floatplane charter company out of the property to give locals and tourists immersive excursions. Strang plans to renovate the space to include nine full-sized guest rooms and add finishing touches to accommodate patrons before returning to Cape Breton himself once he retires.

Nani’s Esthetics grand opening

Nani’s Esthetics & Laser Center has opened shop in the heart of Port Hawkesbury. The full-service esthetics center offers clients an opportunity to de-stress while improving or maintaining the quality and appearance of their skin. Owner and esthetician Nani Venus, originally from the Philippines, moved to Canada in 2013 and began working at a local spa in Port Hawkesbury. Venus and her partner Aby Maqui opened Nani’s Esthetics where she provides laser hair removal, waxing, manicures, pedicures and more.

Maqui handles scheduling, supplies, appointments and promotions. The business has welcomed great success since opening in September 2019 and continues to receive great support from the community of Port Hawkebsury and surrounding area.

Cape Breton's first Freshii Restaurant opens in Sydney

The healthy fast-casual restaurant Freshii has opened its doors to hungry Cape Breton customers in August 2019. Franchisees Kathleen MacDonald and Craig Boudreau, have had a very successful few months of operation. With more than 430 locations world-

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wide, Freshii serves great tasting burritos, salads, soups, wraps and frozen yogurt that are great for your health and all made fresh to order. MacDonald is a recent graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University and Boudreau, of J. Francis Investments Ltd., is also a franchisee of New York Fries. The two began planning the opening of a Sydney location in the fall of 2018 and those plans have become a reality that has impressed their health-conscious customers.

McAdam businessmen open Meltwich Food Co. in Sydney, the first in Atlantic Canada

The first Meltwich Food Co. in Atlantic Canada has arrived in Sydney and is located in the Prince Street Plaza. Meltwich Food Co. is a grilled cheese sandwich outlet based out of Ontario and has been brought to the Island by cousins and co-owners Shane and Craig McAdam who opened the doors to the fast-casual restaurant in June 2019. Although the McAdams come from a family with experience in franchising, the two hadn’t decided to embark on the journey themselves until 2017. Fast forward two years, the cousins are in daily contact and running a successful business together. What many may not know is that the restaurant is fully licensed, offering beer and wine to pair with your meal. Along with a fun and friendly atmosphere, Meltwich Food Co. adds a twist to traditional sandwiches to create a menu full of delicious food made with fresh ingredients.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

The Parlour Sweet House and 7 By 7 Restaurant open in downtown Sydney

Two new shops have opened their doors in downtown Sydney. The Parlour Sweet House, an ice cream and dessert shop has recently made its home at 272 Charlotte St. and opened its doors to customers for a soft opening on Aug. 27. The shop, managed by 23-year-old Nagy Abdou, serves decadent desserts including ice cream, cheesecake and a variety of milkshakes and hot beverages. Next door to The Parlour Sweet House is 7 By 7 Restaurant which is also managed by Abdou. The restaurant offers delicious Canadian, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine options at an affordable price — the menu offers seven, $7 dishes, making it a popular spot during lunch hours for those who work in downtown Sydney. With a vibrant and affordable menu, both The Parlour Sweet House and 7 by 7 Restaurant are attracting customers to the downtown core and building an atmosphere for entrepreneurial success.

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Grand opening of Jacky’s Asian Store in Port Hawkesbury

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Good Food Bus brings access to affordable produce

A former transit bus has been retrofitted and brought back to life as the Good Food Bus thanks to a collaborative initiative by New Dawn Enterprises, United Way Cape Breton, the Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Atlantic Superstore and the Island Food Network. The bus aims to improve access to affordable nutrition for people who may otherwise have trouble accessing these essential foods. Good Food Bus Co-ordinator, Emma Jerrott, says the pilot, which ran September to November, succesfully improved access to affordable nutrition for citizens who may experience financial, transportation or mobility barriers.

Annual Cabot Trail Writers Festival celebrates local and Canadian literature

This past October, Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College hosted the 2019 Cabot Trail Writers Festival. The three-day festival united authors, avid readers and celebrated literary talent from across not only Cape Breton, but the rest of Canada. The annual festival featured influential writers such as 2013 Giller Prize Winner, Lynn Cody, Cape Breton writers Tom Ryan and Lesley Crewe and many other awardwinning literary talents. The festival allowed book-lovers to meet some of their favorite authors, participate in workshops and celebrate Canadian talent. The weekend-long festival was extremely popular amongst attendees, both experienced writers and readers, as well as youth with a passion for literacy.

The festival offered workshops for all ages, including workshops for youth aged seven to 11 and another for those aged 12 to 18. A weekend filled with laughter, conversation and beautiful landscape — the annual Cabot Trail Writers Festival was a huge success.

The Highlands Hostel offering year-round accommodations in Cape Breton Highlands

A new experience for travel lovers has taken shape in the Cape Breton highlands. The Highlands Hostel in Cape North offers unique accommodation for groups, families and solo travellers exploring what the Cape Breton highlands has to offer on a year-round basis.

The Highlands Hostel is owned and operated by Bricin "Striker" Lyons and Patricia Sauer who moved to Cape Breton from Vancouver. The couple and their two young children fell in love with everything that the East Coast of Canada has to offer and decided that instead of visiting the Island for vacations, they would make Cape Breton their home. Their hostel is open 11 months out of the year and offers a private room for travelling families, as well as two bunking lofts that accommodate six travellers in each.

Since opening the doors to the business, the Highlands Hostel has gathered rave reviews by their customers who’ve come from all over the world to see what makes Cape Breton Island so special.

New off-grid camping business in Whycocomagh

A first of its kind on Cape Breton Island, Iron Mountain Wilderness Resort is an off-grid camping resort and lodge open on a year-round basis. The wilderness resort is located on Whycocomagh Mountain and offers guests a unique experience with completely off-grid accommodations, beautiful trails and Nova Scotia’s first off-grid pub. Owners Grant Haverstock and Jessica KleinHerenbrink purchased the 200-acre property and began construction in the spring of 2018. Fast forward to the end of 2019, their resort is fully operational and includes five eco-friendly cabins and a main lodge comprised of 60 per cent recycled steel and powered by 32 solar panels. Focusing on environmental sustainability, Haverstock and KleinHerenbrink target their business towards nature lovers, hikers, snowmobilers, ATV riders and bikers, partly due to the two trails crossing through the resort and the abundance of connected wilderness areas that are waiting to be explored.

BUSINESS NEWS

Recently opened in Port Hawkesbury, Jacky’s Asian Store is the first of its kind in the region offering specialty products and ingredients from the Philippines, Japan and Thailand. Jacky’s is owned and operated by Jacky Lou Tormis and officially opened its doors on June 8 at the Causeway Shopping Centre. In addition to their extensive variety of food, Jacky’s Asian Store sells clothes, accessories and personal care products.

Tormis is originally from the Philippines and came to Canada in 2015 to work as a massage therapist in Port Hawkesbury. After seeing the demand for an Asian grocer in the area, she decided to open a business, allowing her community to access the ingredients and products they need without having to travel.

NS Power generating station reaches safety milestone

Staff members at Nova Scotia Power’s generating station in Point Tupper have reached a safety milestone worth celebrating. Earlier this year, the staff reached one million hours without a lost-time incident, which is almost a decade of outstanding safety performance.

Point Tupper has been producing electricity since the 1970s. With 63 employees, the milestone of outstanding safety performance has been accredited to the incredible teamwork and co-operation at the generating plant.

Richmond County writer releases first novel

In June, St. Peter’s based author Hope Dalvay published her first novel titled Welcome to Camp Fill-in-the-Blank, targeted towards middle school-aged youth. Dalvay is originally from Prince Edward Island and has recently made the move to Cape Breton where she started writing the novel in the winter of 2015. The novel was published by Acorn Press and follows the summer of a 14-year-old girl from Saudi Arabia named Page, who comes to spend time with her cousins on P.E.I. Following fantastic reviews, Danvay is working on a sequel.

DECEMBER 2019

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PHOTO CHRIS WALZAK

Highland Arts Theatre’s new programs

The Highland Arts Theatre (HAT) located in the heart of downtown Sydney has expanded to give Cape Bretoners of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to take classes in acting, singing and dancing. The HAT has acquired a brand new space in addition to their current theatre. Director Wesley Colford says The HAT Academy offers 12 educational programs weekly — more than most theatres in Canada. The classes are available to not only youth but adults and seniors with an interest in the area as well. The programs are also offered at different skill levels so all attendees have a chance to learn in an environment that is comfortable to them. Instructors for these classes include Ron Jenkins, Cynthia Vokey, Suzanne Doane, Alex Poirier, Andrea Vokey, Barbara Stetter and Kiersten Penny. Courses range from eight to 12 weeks.

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8,000 to Inverness County. Following a year of planning with the community, Victoria County Transit was launched and is now servicing residents of Victoria County. It will provide transportation within the community for residents needing to travel to various locations of importance including grocery stores, hospitals, workplaces, libraries and more. The service is a collaboration between SAT and the province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and aims to improve the quality of life for residents by picking them up at their home and dropping them directly at their desired destination when booked one day in advance.

PHOTO STEVE RANKIN

Woodroad resturant opens in Margaree

A new luxury dining experience has taken shape in Margaree Harbour. Located on the beautiful coast of western Cape Breton, Woodroad offers guests a unique dining experience influenced by the stunning scenery and rich history of the land surrounding the venue. Brothers Daryl and Peter MacDonnell conceptualized, constructed and created the Woodroad fine dining experience. Peter has three decades of experience in the forestry sector and spent the past four years researching, sourcing trees and constructing the timber frame that is home to the restaurant.

Daryl works as Head Chef with more than 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry and has an immense talent for envisioning, creating and executing delicious dishes. Together these brothers have designed and constructed an experience that locals and visitors are raving about. The dining room of Woodroad seats 25 guests for each dinner with the experience starting at 6:30 p.m. for hors d’ oeuvres and a seated dinner to follow at 7 p.m. where guests are served seven seasonal and locally-sourced and inspired dishes.

Glenora holds Night of a Thousand Fiddles

On Aug. 31 Glenora Distillery hosted the International Night of a Thousand Fiddles. Located in Glenville, Inverness County, the distillery has an extremely rich history, dating back to the early 1800s.

In 1990, the distillery produced the first single malt whisky in North America. This past summer, the distillery set an ambitious goal to beat the world record for the

most fiddles playing in one night.

The historic event was open to participation at the distillery itself and musicians showed up to play Fiddler’s Choice, composed by Bill Sampson. For fiddlers worldwide who were unable to make it to the distillery, they had the option to play the tune in the comfort of their own home and either email their performance to Glenora or post on social media using the hashtag #Nightof1000Fiddles. The

event brought a full house to the distillery as musicians gathered for an evening of music, laughter, storytelling and fun.

Straight Area Transit expands to Victoria County

Strait Area Transit (SAT) has been running since 2007 and recognized the need for expanded transit services in Victoria County after providing more than 6,000 rides to Richmond County and almost

L’Acabie in Cheticamp Expands

L’Acabie, a non-profit transit service located in Cheticamp, has expanded and extended its service for both locals and tourists. The expansion began in the summer of 2019 with the purchase of another transit van and an increase in operating hours throughout the week. A new van was purchased for the service to meet demands, with two vans frequently travelling out of the area to locations including Sydney and the Strait Area. Now both tourists and locals can enjoy a night out at a restaurant or attraction in the community and have a safe drive home. Local transit riders have been using the service as a way to travel for groceries, to local banks and trips to physicians on the Island.

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DECEMBER 2019

St. Peter’s Canal celebrates 150 years

On Aug. 10, the communities of St. Peter’s and Potlotek First Nation united with local organizations to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the world-famous St. Peter’s Canal.

Community partners include Parks Canada, St. Peter’s Economic Development Organization, St. Peter's Area Lions Club, Nicholas Denys Museum and Canal Landing. The day-long celebration included a canoe trip re-enactment, the unveiling of a new Indigenous interpretive panel, activities for children and fireworks at dusk. The National Historic Site, at a length of 800 meters, joins the Atlantic Ocean to the world-famous Bras d’Or Lake and is an extremely popular spot for activities such as fishing, boating, picnicking and exploring.

The St. Peter’s Canal can be traced back to the 17th century as a traditional First Nations portage route as well as a trading post built by Nicholas Denys, a French merchant.

Being such an important pillar in Canadian history and representing incredible heritage, the St. Peter’s Canal is the pride of the community and will be celebrated for years to come.

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Counting in Mi’kmaw

Internationally known for her beautiful quilt work and paintings, Loretta Gould from We’koqma’q First Nation has released her first children’s book titled, Counting in Mi’kmaw. Published by Nimbus Publishing, the book’s first print run sold out and they continue to sell on Amazon. It was just two years ago when Gould was approached by Nimbus Publishing and asked if she had an interest in creating a book of her artwork, fast forward in time and now the book is an enormous success.

The beautiful and bright works of art throughout are all illustrations created by Gould and include images of animals important to Indigenous culture such as turtles, bears and beavers. The motivation behind creating this children’s book was Gould’s passion to teach, preserve and pass down the Mi’kmaw language to the younger generation. With the first book being such a success, there are hopes from audiences that a second book will be released in the future.

Inverness film heads to Atlantic International Film Festival

In September, a film written and produced in Inverness was selected for screening during the 2019 FIN Atlantic International Film Festival in Halifax. In 2018-2019, brothers James and Michael Ryan co-directed and co-wrote Bocan, an 18-minute film about various traditional ghost stories. The film is set in 1988, where two Gaelic-speaking Cape Breton locals remember strange happenings from their past. James, who is originally from Inverness, has been working hard to see Cape Breton’s film industry thrive once again and in doing so has gotten his family involved as well. James graduated from the Nova Scotia Community College’s screen arts program and worked in the film industry in Halifax as a set electrician before eventually finding his way back to the Island.

He then started his own electrical company with Cape Breton Film in 2018 which was originally known as Inverness Film, with a goal of training residents for possible film jobs, while also encouraging those who might be interested to get involved.

Fifty years of community progress for the Inverness Development Association

Earlier this year the Inverness Development Association (IDA) celebrated 50 years of community progress at the beautiful Inverness Beach bringing together current and former members of the association to celebrate. IDA President Rose Mary MacDonald spoke during the event to attest to the organization’s accomplishments. MacDonald noted that recently they have seen an increase in youth returning to the community, an increase in tourism, new buildings and start up businesses.

Notable accomplishments by IDA include establishing the Inverness County Centre for the Arts, the reclamation of an old mining site and bringing golf to the county, which have all been established in support of further developing the community. The organization was also the first to bring accessible beach and boardwalk equipment to Atlantic Canada — something worth celebrating.

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PHOTO STEVE RANKIN

Golf course recognition

Cape Breton is globally recognized for its natural beauty and charming hospitality, among other unique characteristics. Our Island has also made national and international news for being one of the best locations to golf in Canada and the world. A list released by SCOREGolf ranking the top 59 golf courses in Canada scored Cape Breton’s own Cabot Cliffs as the number one course in the nation. Cabot Cliffs officially opened to the public in 2016 and has topped the list each year since. Other iconic Cape Breton courses have been ranked in the top 10 of the list with Cabot Links taking third place and Cape Breton Highlands Links at number seven.

Eskasoni Baptismal Clothing

In 2018, 27-year-old Leah Doucette from Eskasoni was asked to create a traditional baptismal outfit for the ceremony of a friend’s daughter. More than a year later, she now combines her immense talent, great passion and culture to create various types of traditional Indigenous garments and ladies wear. Originally introduced to the art of sewing by her grandmother, Georgina Doucette and the art of beading by her mother, Karen Doucette, Leah is steadily filling orders and producing beautiful garments for clients. Word spread rapidly through social media

and Leah is now working on the business full time, putting hours of talent and love into each traditional garment with no sign of slowing down. Leah is also a jingle dancer and sees designing and creating traditional garments as another way to stay connected to her culture.

First Blueberry Jam Fest a success

The sun was shining this past August at the Big Belle Farm in Mabou as music lovers and performers gathered together for the farm’s first annual Blueberry Jam Festival. Farm owner’s Paul and Adele Meagher organized the event and built the infrastructure

needed to support attendees and musicians, working tirelessly to make the festival a success. The festival took place on Aug. 17. and included musical performances from Mitch Porier, Bridges, Jordan Musycsyn, Carmen Townsend, Beech Hill, with Rankin MacInnis and his band Party Boots headlining the festival. MacInnis, who is originally from Mabou, came onboard to assist with the planning of the festival and organizing the musical talent for the day.

Participants and organizers were very pleased with the success of the festival.

BUSINESS NEWS

NuStar Energy golf tournament raises over $100,000 for cancer care

At the end of August, NuStar Energy held its annual Fairways to Success Golf Tournament at Dundee Golf Resort & Spa. For the third consecutive year, the funds raised from the golf tournament and auction supported two chosen charities — Caleb’s Courage and the Regional Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Patient Care Fund. The tournament and auction raised more than $110,000 to help cancer patients and children with a critical illness in Cape Breton who are struggling financially during a difficult time.

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Funding for Highland Village

This past August, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $270,000 for the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society for the Highland Village development project. The investment announcement was made on behalf of the honourable Pablo Rodriquez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. The Highland Village is an outdoor living history museum located in Iona with 43 acres of property that tells the rich history of the Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia, including 11 historic buildings, animators and immersive activities. The development project will address current challenges and changes to ensure that growing needs and demands are met. A few of these elements include a new welcome centre, a shingle mill, a cultural resource centre and vegetation improvements.

Membertou gets funding to expand tourism

Membertou First Nation has received a grant to improve current tourism attractions and products and create new destinations for visitors to enjoy. A grant from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program of $105,322 was announced in July 2019. The investments will enable Membertou to expand on its current tourism offerings and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the industry.

The community is upgrading its technology to increase connectivity speed across the community and increase digital signage.

To build a stronger presence in four-season tourism, the community is also planning winter experiences for visitors includ-

PHOTO STEVE RANKIN

Mabou pianist gets new career

An experienced and talented Mabou pianist has embarked on a new chapter in the music industry. Tracey Dares MacNeil was formerly the Executive Director of the Strathspey Performing Arts Centre but has been training as a Program Instructor for Music for Young Children (MYC). MacNeil has a wealth of knowledge and experience having played piano for Natalie MacMaster and many other celebrated Cape Breton artists throughout the years. She is also the mother to the group members of NicNeil, a musical quintet of sisters who perform traditional Celtic music and have previously been nominated for an East Coast Music Award. Dares MacNeil’s has now shifted towards the comprehensive music program for young children which was established in 1980. Since then, more than 24,000 students have participated in the program internationally under the guidance of 900 teachers. MYC focuses on singing, creative movement, theory, ensembles, compositions and sight-reading music. MacNeil will be teaching from her home studio in Mabou in addition to one session per week at the Gaelic College located in St. Anne’s.

ing snowshoeing, skating and an educational tour on traditional Mi’kmaq winter practices.

Cape Breton County Paintball

Tyler MacPhee has been introducing Cape Bretoners to the world of paintball by opening Cape Breton County Paintball, a safe place for

players of all ages to learn about the game, develop their skills and most importantly — have fun. Cape Breton County Paintball, located at 990 Beechmont Rd., Sydney is in its second year of operation and offers bookings for parties, season-long memberships and Sunday walk-ons every second Sunday for those who have

Corporate Memberships Available!

“Having a corporate membership for the YMCA of Cape Breton has provided a huge boost to staff morale.

As a company, we look for ways to support the health of our employees and their families and knowing we are also supporting a local charity is a win-win for all!”

Contact Anita to learn more! anita.o’rourke@cb.ymca.ca 902-562-9130 YMCA of Cape Breton locations

Frank Rudderham Family YMCA 399 Charlotte Street Sydney, NS

their own gear. MacPhee wants to focus on bringing a new generation to the sport and offers paintball gear rentals and a shooting range for those who want to practice. Cape Breton County Paintball is open for business and is proving to be extremely popular.

Membertou YMCA 95 Maillard Street Membertou, NS

Port Hawkesbury YMCA 606 Reeves Street Port Hawkesbury, NS

-Sandra Killam

SEASIDE COMMUNICATIONS 7870056

BUSINESS NEWS

Lets Find Your Nov

JESSLYN CHISHOLM

KIM SILVER-COLLEY

Certified International Property Specialists This past September, Jesslyn esslyn Chisholm (Sydney Office) and Kim Silver-Colley (Antigonish Office) have completed education to become a Certified International Property Specialist. A Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is a global real estate professional who has undergone specialized training to complete international transactions seamlessly and with reduced risk. The CIPS designation is the only international designation recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®. Only REALTORS® who have completed extensive coursework and demonstrated considerable experience in international business are awarded this prestigious designation.

As a Certified International Property Specialist, we have the training, resources and experience to help you purchase property in Nova Scotia, Canada and abroad.

We have worked with buyers from locations around the world, and can help you understand the process. We are connected with REALTORS® around the globe and look forward to helping you with your local and international real estate transactions. The goal is to streamline and simplify the process for international buyers when buying real estate in Nova Scotia. Our services can save you time and money, contact Jesslyn or Kim to chat international Real Estate!

RE/MAX Park Place, Local REALTORS® helping build a stronger Cape Breton by contributing back to the community we serve!

Rising Stars Broker Valarie Sampson would like to congratulate our rising stars Leanne Martheleur and JOE MACDONALD & LEAANE MARTHELEUR Joe McDonald.

Who attended an exclusive event in Toronto this past November.

The rooftop celebration was by invitation only for agents 35 or younger who have reached exceptional sales commissions in 2018. Congratulations on your recognition for continued hard work while representing both buyers and sellers.

On behalf of the REALTORS® and Staff at RE/MAX Park Place, I would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season and Prosperous New Year! We would like to thank all of our past clients for helping us have a successful 2019 and we look forward to working together to help you achieve your real estate goals in the coming year! We hope 2020 brings you health, happiness and everything you have dreamed of!

All the best, Valarie Sampson, Broker/Owner

remaxparkplace.com | 902.567.9880 | info@remaxcapebreton.com

va Scotia Dream Home

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$1.9K/Acre (6.45 ac)

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$35-45K/Acre (30.63 ac)

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Valarie Sampson 902.371.3040 or email vjsampson@ remaxcapebreton.com

Jesslyn Chisholm 902.371.2130 or email jesslynchisholm@ remax.net

MLS #201923898

Looking to start a new business or a commercial space in a high traffic area? This 3 year old building with 3 large bays and 195 feet of road frontage on Grand Lake Road is the perfect option! Impressive features include: All overhead outside bay doors powered, 1st and 2nd bays doors are 10x11, 3rd bay door 11x12, Bay door from 1st bay into the showroom is manual and measures 10x10, propane radiant heat in 3rd bay mechanics garage, industrial electric heat in 1st & 2nd bay, two heat pumps with 3 heads in the showcase, underground power, four bathrooms, the public bathroom is handicap accessible, private back office, exhaust system in every bay, oil Separator in the Mechanics garage , 6.5 acres of land with 3/4 filled in, kitchenette (Microwave, sink, fridge, cabinets), camera and alarm system throughout the building and outside, street sign wired ready to go, 2 post certified by sign company and baseboard electric heat in showroom, bathrooms, and lunch rooms. This property has ABC zoning which allows for endless development opportunities for the rest of the land. Large paved parking lot with plenty of space for customer parking.

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CONTACT VALARIE SAMPSON TEAM

BADDECK | PORT HAWKESBURY | ANTIGONISH

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PROPERTIES LISTED HERE CAN BE BROKEN INTO SMALLER PARCELS BASED ON THE BUYERS NEEDS.

501 GRAND LAKE ROAD, SYDNEY

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Scale 1:4,250 (when printed @ 24" x 36")

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THE PARK IS ACCESSIBLE BY: WATER Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal is adjacent to Harbourside. Also nearby is the port of Sydney, Logistic and Sydport.

RAIL A rail line connects the park with the rest of Canada and the US. LAND Bus service is available near the park and three major highways serve the Sydney area – the Trans Canada Highway, Provincial Highway 125 and Trunk Highway 4. The SPAR connects Harbourside to the 125 Highway and Trunk Highway 4.

AIR The Sydney Airport is located approximately 12 km from the park

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PROPERTY AVAILABILITY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

SYDNEY |

Lane

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$32K/Acre (2.64 ac)

Safety Check (7)

The park encompasses over 300 acres and accommodations for commercial, industrial and office enterprises are available. The park provides an everexpanding workforce for the Cape Breton region.

Looking for an opportunity to own and operate your own business? This space and location, with over 3500 square feet, is ideal for professional offices including Dentist Office, Doctors Office, Law Firm and much more! The ABC zoning of the property allows for many possibilities in the commercial industry.

It is currently set up as a salon and has everything you need to start or continue running a successful salon/spa! Impressive features include four chairs with sinks and infrastructure in lower level to accommodate 3 more, three tanning units, two beds and a full stand-up tanning unit, five rooms for manicure and pedicure services, one that accommodates a wedding party for all aesthetic needs! There is also a sauna room, hot tub room and an area to gather and relax. This building also features a large show room which is ideal for product sales or display items. There is a spacious paved parking lot that can accommodate up to 22 parking spaces! This is an opportunity to start and grow your business on a high traffic street in Glace Bay! Please contact Valarie Sampson or Jesslyn Chisholm for additional information, this is truly a unique space!

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MLS # 201923286

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81 RESERVE STREET, GLACE BAY

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$45K/Acre (0.87 ac)

The park is located adjacent to downtown Sydney in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Harbourside Park is housed on the former Sydney Steel Plant; therefore, an extensive existing infrastructure is present. The Atlantic Canada Bulk Terminal operates next to the park so Trans-Atlantic shipping is readily available. Harbourside is the newest marine commercial park on the Eastern Seaboard.

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$45-50K/Acre (4.3 ac)

Harbourside Commercial Park was incorporated by the Province of Nova Scotia in order to take advantage of the excellent infrastructure, its excellent proximity to a deep water port and its central location within the heart of Nova Scotia’s second largest city - Sydney.

$2.8K (0.19 ac)

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$32K/Acre (71.42 ac)

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HARBOURSIDE COMMERCIAL PARK

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

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WORLD RENOWNED, YEAR-ROUND

Welcoming four seasons of tourism to Cape Breton Island

STORY KATHLEEN MACLEOD

C

ape Breton Island is a world-renowned tourism destination. Voted Best Island two years in a row by Travel and Leisure magazine, we know that our tourism industry truly delivers. With new developments underway, the Island is becoming a fourseason tourism destination.

The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club and Resort The Birches at Ben Eoin Country Inn and The Lakes Golf Course have joined forces to become The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club and Resort. The vision is to create a globally recognized four-season resort in Ben Eoin, Cape Breton. A recent multi-million dollar renovation and expansion has created an impressive restaurant and event space to complement the 18-hole premier golf course.

Seven business men with family roots to Cape Breton came together under the Ben Eoin Development Group to create the newly rebranded resort. They are dedicated to creating a place that is accessible to not only those visiting Cape Breton, but also to locals, as the group recognizes the strong relationship between access to recreational amenities and personal, community, social and economic well-being.

Currently, the resort features 12 twobedroom chalets, 11 suites, the Founders restaurant, a stunning new event space with the capacity to host up to 225 guests and a new pro shop. Guests are now able to stay, eat and play all on the same property. Aside from significant construction investments on the property, the resort has also expanded their number of staff by 50 per cent, bringing the total count to 50 seasonal and full-time employees.

COVER STORY

For those who enjoy fresh and innovative cuisine, Founders — named after the original shareholders that developed the course — offers a wide range of signature dishes and local favourites. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Ron MacNeil and the modern design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere to connect with family and friends over a delicious meal.

The team at the resort is currently working on developing strategic partnerships with community members who offer interactive Island experiences, such as Eskasoni Cultural Journeys and Breton Air, which quickly takes guests via helicopter between the Lakes and the Cabot Links and Cliffs golf courses in Inverness. With a helipad located in Ben Eoin and another recently received approval for a downtown Sydney location, cruise ship passengers entering the port will soon have the opportunity fly into their chosen course,

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PHOTO PEAR TREE PHOTOGRAPHY/ SHERRI POIRIER

play a full round, enjoy all the resort has to offer and return to the port while taking in stunning views of the Island from the sky before their ship leaves later that day.

“We feel that our current investments, global marketing campaign and strategic partnerships will be instrumental in the future success of The Lakes Golf Course,” says Lindsey MacIntosh, General Manager of The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club and Resort.

Future plans for expansion will see the resort offering a range of activities including an indoor swimming pool, multi-sport course, zip lines, mountain bike trails, ropes courses, local experiential tours, culinary experiences, on-site spa services and more.

With these plans set to become a reality, the resort will offer an unforgettable experience for both travellers and locals of all ages.

The Lakes Golf Club and Resort encourages everyone to enjoy the property — whether they are a golfer or not.

The Golden Grove at Margaree project Brook Smith of Louisville, Kentucky, dreamed of owning a water-front property for as long as he could remember. In 2017,

PHOTO PEAR TREE PHOTOGRAPHY/ SHERRI POIRIER

PHOTO MATT MACKAY-LYONS

he and his wife Pam found the ideal location through renowned local architect Brian MacKay-Lyons at Brian’s Shobac campus in Kingsburg, Nova Scotia, just outside of Lunenburg. During the design and build of this new dream home, Smith fell in love with Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island’s natural beauty and cultural richness. For years, Smith and his wife have been known for their contributions to various communities, helping entrepreneurs launch projects that demonstrate the potential to make a significant impact. After building their dream home, they asked themselves what else they could do for Nova Scotia? This is where Cape Breton captured their imagination and the idea for the Golden Grove at Margaree project was born.

The focus of the project includes the resurrection of a farm and establishing a home base on roughly 1,300 acres of land in historic Fordview, now part of Margaree Forks. Farming at the historic Golden Grove dates back to at least 1790.

The site includes miles of river frontage on the majestic Margaree River and the combination of this with fertile interval farmland, hardwood highland forests and

the surrounding community means endless possibilities for the land. Basing any potential development plans on the authentic revival of this farming legacy is and remains to be tremendously important to Smith and his partners.

Project Manager and Partner in the project, Sean Sturge, who previously provided advisory services to Cabot Links Resort in Inverness, spends as much time as possible on the ground in Margaree, working with local community members and entrepreneurs to help inform the future programming of the project. Partners and Architects, Brian Mackay-Lyons and Talbot Sweetapple of Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited, are working to bring a globally significant design to this project, while simultaneously creating structure and programming that offers a strong sense of place and has links to the community of Margaree.

“It is essential that our project is authentic to this place with consistent emphasis on all aspects of local material culture,” says Mackay-Lyons.

Smith and his team have been very focused on revitalizing the farmlands and

Environmental Health & Safety Technician Program • Instruction from industry-experienced and certified instructors • Training in a variety of safety-sensitive work practices • Skills that are in high demand • Skills that can be applied in a variety of industries • Supervisory level training and certification • Training in a modern facility • Training in the usage of a variety of equipment

CALL TODAY! (902) 539-9766 EMAIL training@metiatlantic.com

metiatlantic.com

NEXT COURSE START DATE MARCH 16TH, 2020 DURATION: 18 WEEKS (675 HOURS) - APPLY NOW!

7870057

COVER STORY

DECEMBER 2019

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building herds of both cattle and sheep. They expect to have the pasture lands 80 per cent repaired by the end of the fall season and their hay lands in good shape heading into 2020. The herds are currently located in the Annapolis Valley and are expected to grow to more than 100 in size by the end of next season. In the near future, the herd will be moved to Margaree to their two pastures on site and the Mabou community pasture.

Their recently completed project headquarters, the Innovation Shed, will also act as an operations base for farming, river and mountain activities and will host various community events going forward.

Additionally, a tower has been built at the top of the 1,000-feet high mountain and has already been used as both a music venue in the mountains as well as a hiking destination. Soon these sites will be connected to the main multi-use trail system in cape Breton.

In terms of future development, the team is still considering the scope and pace of their project to ensure that they get things right. The Golden Grove is expected to operate in at least three seasons, with the potential of an educational component added in the shoulder season. Recently, the site hosted two Dalhousie University FreeLab projects, designed and built by students to help inform the future public use of the land and help define future buildings as prototypes for development in the region.

“Cape Breton and particularly Margaree, offers authentic cultural and communitybased experiences that visitors and locals find irresistible,” says Sturge, “combined with the stunning physical ecologies and warm community spirit — we think it’s an obvious place to expand and invest.”

A new life for Cape Smokey After being enjoyed each winter for many years by locals and travellers alike, the former Ski Cape Smokey property has been given a new life as a future four-season recreation and tourism destination thanks to the partners of Cape Smokey Holdings Ltd. The property is home to almost 162 hectares of land and a lodge, which will receive significant upgrades.

When asked why he chose Cape Breton,

Recently built tower at the top of the mountain overlooking Golden Grove.

Joseph Balaz, President of Cape Smokey Holdings Ltd. responded: “I have spent several years canvassing the entire East Coast, all the way from Florida and up, looking for a dreamland. When I discovered Cape Breton and Ingonish, I was smitten. With the amazing scenery and absolutely fabulous people, I simply found home. My business partner and his family echoed my sentiment, so we got involved in the community.”

Balaz is no stranger to Cape Breton. In fact, he is an owner and partner of the Red Head Cliffs, a private development project in Ingonish.

Prior to the sale, Ski Cape Smokey had been operating as a community-run ski hill with volunteers running all aspects of the hill’s operation from the grooming to the kitchen, rental shop and operating the pommel lift, with the eventual goal of privatization.

Once operation commences, Cape Smokey will remain open throughout the year. Current plans include a revitalization and rebuild of the ski hill and the offering of amenities that take advantage of the area’s natural beauty including the installation of a tree walk atop Cape Smokey and a fully

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

accessible gondola — an expected $12 million investment. Additionally, Cape Smokey Holdings Ltd. will support the installation of state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment, which will lengthen the yearly skiing season.

The sale of Ski Cape Smokey is very exciting news to the community of Ingonish as well as the rest of Cape Breton as it ensures the future of the facility and will enable significant economic growth within the surrounding communities. Under the terms of sale, once construction and development are complete, designated areas of the property will be accessible to the public for recreational use including hiking and snowmobiling. Once in full operation the company plans to employ up to 300 full-time workers and are expected to create a number of spinoff jobs as well.

The project will take place in several phases with a large amount of the planning already underway. With Cape Smokey Holdings Ltd. devoting the winter of 2019 to 2020 to engineering alone, Balaz and his partners have set a very ambitious goal for themselves: having a part, if not all, of the tree walk and gondola operational by summer 2021. ■

Your money can do more.

Banking that benefits your bottom line. And your community.

1-866-230-7700 / eastcoast@creditu.ca

7870062

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NSCC EXPANSION

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Pictured, left to right: Don Bureaux, President NSCC; Geoff MacLellan, MLA; Premier Stephen McNeil; Derek Mombourquette, MLA; Michelle Wilson, Executive Director Sydney Downtown Development Association; Brandon Debison, NSCC Student; and Fred Tilley, Principal, NSCC Marconi Campus.

NSCC to build destination campus

Rejuvenation of Marconi Campus plans to bring new life to downtown Sydney STORY KATHLEEN MACLEOD

N

ova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) Marconi Campus will soon have a new, contemporary home on downtown Sydney’s waterfront. With a significant investment from the province of Nova Scotia, this move will both strengthen student enrollment and support the revitalization of downtown Sydney.

“This project has so much potential for our future students, our employees, the college, our community and the province in general,” says Fred Tilley, Principal of NSCC Marconi Campus. “This space will provide a rejuvenated spirit for our campus and will help inspire synergies in the downtown area that we need to help grow our community.”

Encompassing the waterside of the Esplanade in Sydney from Falmouth Street to Crescent Street, the vision for the new campus is to create a destination with modern design, open spaces and state-of-the-art technology to create a dynamic learning environment that will attract students from across Nova Scotia and around the world.

With a current NSCC Marconi Campus enrollment of 1,078 students, NSCC is considering new programming that will take advantage of the waterfront location paired with designs to fulfill the needs within the community and industry ultimately helping to make the vision of NSCC Marconi Campus come to life.

NSCC EXPANSION

The construction of NSCC Marconi Campus is expected to begin in May of 2020 with the campus officially opening in September 2024.

In addition, NSCC is currently in the process of constructing a residence at the NSCC Strait Areas Campus in Port Hawkesbury.

The 20,000-square-foot residence will house 51-beds, with student expected to move in by September 2020.

Having an on-campus residence give the Strait Area Campus the potential to more enhanced programs at their Nautical Institute. ■

DECEMBER 2019

23

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ELEVATE MAGAZINE

24

ELEVATE

IMPROVING HEALTH CARE

Improving care across Cape Breton Nova Scotia Health Authority embarks on major developments

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AND MAKE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN HOW WE DELIVER CARE TO PATIENTS.” — DR. KEVIN ORRELL, SENIOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR, CBRM HEALTH CARE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Mark LeCouter, Senior Directior, CBRM Health Care Redevelopment Project (left) and Dr. Kevin Orrell, Senior Medical Director, CBRM Health Care Redevelopment Project (right).

IMPROVING HEALTH CARE

STORY KATHLEEN MACLEOD

I

n 2018 the Nova Scotia Government and Nova Scotia Health Authority announced their plan to change the way health care is delivered in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). Since the initial announcement, the leadership team for the CBRM Health Care Redevelopment Project have been working closely with staff, physicians and stakeholders to move the project forward.

The redevelopment project is a multi-year, multi-phase project with the goal of redesigning and rebuilding health-care infrastructure to support Cape Breton’s patients, families, health-care teams, physicians and researchers.

“This is an opportunity to do things differently and make significant improvements in how we deliver care to patients,” says Dr. Kevin Orrell, Senior Medical Director for the CBRM Health Care Redevelopment Project. “This work will expand services and improve access to health care, while also providing modern facilities.”

As part of the project a new emergency department, critical care department and Cape Breton Cancer Centre will be built at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney. The new cancer centre will serve more than 45,000 patients per year, making it possible to stay close to home while receiving treatment. With site preparation underway and design plans drafted, construction is set to begin in late summer or fall of 2020.

In addition to expansions at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, New Waterford will become home to a new community hub that includes a new school, community health centre and long-term care facility.

The development of these facilities will take place on the current grounds of Breton Education Centre. Similarly, North Sydney will also welcome a new community health centre, long-term care facility and laundry facilities. At Glace Bay Hospital, construction of a new, six-chair renal dialysis unit is underway and planning continues to expand the emergency department and surgical services.

Together, with team members from transportation infrastructure and renewal, department of health and wellness and many local health professionals, the local leadership team will continue to work to ensure that future health-care services and sustainable infrastructure are improved for Cape Breton. ■

DECEMBER 2019

25

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ELEVATE MAGAZINE

HELPING TO HEAL

PHOTO ADAM HILL

Significant investment in Cape Breton Island to help veterans heal

How Cape Breton cannabis can assist veterans with PTSD STORY KATHLEEN MACLEOD

F

abian Henry first dove into the cannabis industry in 2013 with the launch of his business, Marijuana for Trauma (MFT) — a veteran owned and operated company that helps people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At the age of 20, Henry enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Combat Engineer. During this time he was deployed on six tours and after 12 years of service he was discharged due to PTSD. Not long after Henry discovered the

positive impact cannabis had as treatment for his own battle with PTSD, Marijuana for Trauma was created.

Henry sold the business in 2016 and he and his partner donated proceeds to start the Global Alliance Foundation Fund (GAFF), an initiative created to help bridge the gap in care between a soldier’s discharge from the Armed Forces and the process of entering back into everyday civilian life. Currently, GAFF is valued at $12 million and growing.

Henry recognizes that cannabis is not a cure for PTSD, but he considers it an

important part of the treatment process and from that idea, Veterans for Healing was formed. The after-care program aiming to help veterans is the reason why Henry has purchased some of Cape Breton’s most desired properties. These properties include 130 acres in Pipers Glen, 300 acres and 2,000 feet of frontage in Chimney Corner and a 1.5-acre lot in Inverness.

In 2017, Henry purchased the off-grid property in Pipers Glen located adjacent to Egypt Falls, which will act as a holistic healing retreat for veterans suffering from

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HELPING TO HEAL

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mental health issues, particularly PTSD. Those who attend are given the opportunity to participate in different activities such as horseback riding, gardening, yoga and meditation.

Leading into the property, a 700-metre road has been built, as well as a two-bay garage and solar panels to power the retreat, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2020. Henry and his team plan to build 24 additional open-concept, homestyle cabins by the end of 2022. The estimated costs to build cabins, bathrooms and the main gathering lodge range between $1.2 million and $1.5 million.

Henry sees this retreat as a game changer in increasing one’s quality of life and having veterans reshape their purpose in their own lives.

“This is to be a year-round retreat providing something unique in each of the four seasons we have on Cape Breton Island, especially in Pipers Glen,” says Henry.

At this point, there are no plans for new infrastructure at Chimney Corner and it will stay open to the public, but starting in 2020 the beach will be closed one weekend per year, allowing for the Veterans for Healing music festival to take place.

The final property recently acquired by Henry overlooks the fifth hole at the Cabot

27

Fabian Henry

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

THIS IS TO BE A YEAR-ROUND RETREAT PROVIDING SOMETHING UNIQUE IN EACH OF THE FOUR SEASONS WE HAVE ON CAPE BRETON ISLAND, ESPECIALLY IN PIPERS GLEN.“

FABIAN HENRY, FOUNDER OF MARIJUANA FOR TRAUMA, VETERANS FOR HEALING AND BRETON CANNAPHARMS

Links Golf Course in Inverness and will be transformed into a restaurant with live music.

While also open to the public, the restaurant will be free for veterans who have been approved to use Veterans for Healing services.

Although he’s busy working on various projects, Henry’s initiatives don’t end there. In 2018, he became Founder and Director of Breton CannaPharms Ltd. and has been given the green light from Health Canada for the first phase of becoming a licensed cannabis producer on Cape Breton Island. Operations will be based out of Port Hawkesbury in a building recently purchased and retrofitted by Henry on Queen Street.

Breton CannaPharms is dedicated to providing veterans with the best treatment and intends to be the most socially responsible cannabis company across the globe — all while donating 51 per cent of its profits to the GAFF. For Henry and his team, the next step in their process is to raise capital for the construction of phase one. He has also pledged to give 100 per cent of his ownership in Breton CannaPharms to the GAFF Charity.

“Breton CannaPharms should create 50 to 100 jobs. At full production, it should be upwards of 100,” says Henry. “We are proud to be bringing these jobs home to Cape Breton.” ■

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ELEVATE

COMMUNITY CULTURE

Constructing a community

Eskasoni expands to include new facilities built to help residents celebrate culture and traditions STORY LYNN MORRISON

T

Pictured, left to right: Steve Parsons, General Manager, Eskasoni Corporate Division; Alyssia Jeddore, Business Development Manager, Eskasoni Corporate Division; The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, former Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development; Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni First Nation.

leading the project. “Our initial feasibility study was conducted in 2015 and first presented to the department of health that same year. Three years later, we are at the final stage of negotiating a 25-year license and have secured the capital that is necessary to build a 40,000 square-foot facility.”

While providing care for elders, the development will also generate high-skilled, well-paying job opportunities for those in the trades, health care and service sectors, encouraging youth to build their lives and thrive within the community. Operationally, Kiknu Long-Term Care Ltd. will provide 70 full-time employment positions. Training for various positions will commence at the beginning of 2020.

In addition to the announcement regarding Kiknu Long-Term Care Ltd., officials also announced a residential fibre-optic project,

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owned and operated by the Eskasoni Band Council in partnership with an internet service provider, which will increase access to high-speed internet in the community.

With an upsurge in high-speed internet, Indigenous Nova Scotians will be involved in installations, maintenance and support of the network, which in turn will allow all community members to participate in online conferences, courses and other learning sessions. While providing high-speed internet to Eskasoni, the fibre-optic infrastructure improvement will also provide an additional stream of income to the band.

With many new developments on the horizon in Eskasoni and an increase in land ownership, not only will essential care and services be provided to those in need, but will create an influx in highly-skilled employment opportunities for the future. ■

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he First Nation community of Eskasoni recently announced various new projects that will be at the forefront of future development for the community. An acquirement of 86.5 hectares of land for Eskasoni has come at the perfect time, as the community has big plans for a new high school, long-term care facility and improvement of fibre-optic internet infrastructure.

In August 2019, both federal and provincial officials gathered with members of the band council, dignitaries and elders to announce a new long-term care facility that will change the way elders in the community receive the care they need in their later years.

The new facility, Kiknu Long-Term Care Ltd., will begin construction in March 2020 and is estimated to be completed in 2022.

Granted $19.7 million federally and more than $6.5 million from the province, the facility will include 48 beds for elders from all Unama’ki First Nations communities who are receiving long-term care.

The design of Kiknu Long-Term Care Ltd. represents a turtle, which is a sacred symbol of Indigenous culture. “Kiknu,” meaning “our home” in Mi’kmaw, will allow elders to receive care and comfort while providing them with an atmosphere to celebrate their language, culture and traditional practices — something that they would not receive at long-term care facilities outside of First Nation communities.

“The new long-term care facility has been a work in progress for the past four years,” says Steve Parsons, General Manager of Eskasoni Corporate Division, who has been

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7870060

DECEMBER 2019

ELEVATE MAGAZINE

30

ELEVATE

Home to more entrepreneurs per capita than any other municipality in the province.

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ELEVATE MAGAZINE

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