News Release Archive
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--CAMP GETS NEW LEASE ON LIFE
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Newly renovated Camp Barrachois in Boisdale will be open for
business next year. A restoration project is giving the Cape
Breton Family YMCA camp a much needed face-lift after having been
closed since the late 1980s.
The summer-long project is receiving some finishing touches.
Frank Bruleigh, chief executive officer for the Y, said the camp
desperately needed some revitalization before it was too late to
salvage. "If something wasn't done quickly it, (the camp) would
have been lost."
This year, Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism
contributed $20,000 to the renovation through the Community
Opportunities Fund. Improvements include renovation of the
nurse's and manager's buildings, new roofing, windows, steps,
paint for the 12 camp buildings, landscaping, and renovations to
make the camp wheelchair accessible. A shower area and a wharf
are also under construction.
"The government is committed to initiatives that rejuvenate Nova
Scotia communities and give community members control of their
local resources," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic
Development and Tourism. "This project is a solid example of a
strong community-based, community-driven initiative.
"The employment created during the renovation stage, the
operational stage, and the future benefits to local businesses in
terms of increased visitation to the camp site will bring
important economic returns to the area."
The Community Opportunities Fund provides funding for projects
that create lasting benefits to local economies. Projects must
also contribute to the achievement of regional community economic
development plans. Additional funding for the $50,000 project was
provided by local businesses, Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and
Human Resource Development Canada.
Mr. Bruleigh attributed the success of the renovation project to
the funding, as well as Y volunteers. "The funding was a great
shot in the arm for us," he said. "But it does not factor in all
the volunteer work on the part of the three Y's Men's Clubs in
the area and community businesses. They decided it was something
they wanted to do. They want to revitalize the camp."
Financial capital was the first step for the Y. The next step is
to establish a marketing plan for the camp. "We're looking at
attracting various organizations from across the province, not
just Y clubs," said Mr. Bruleigh. "Other groups have already
expressed interest in utilizing the facilities. It will no longer
be just a Y camp; it will be a community-based camp administered
by the YMCA."
In addition to the full-time and seasonal jobs that will be
created, the facility will have a strong impact on community
members who once attended the camp, said Mr. Bruleigh. "The
response has been very positive from the community," he said.
"Past generations that have gone through the facility themselves
want their children to have the same opportunity and experiences
they had visiting the camp."
Further plans include lengthening the camp's season, formerly
from late spring to early fall, to allow for community service
and youth groups to use the site. The camp will hold an official
opening in the spring of 1998.
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Contact: Angela Campbell
Economic Development and Tourism
902-424-1728
E-mail: econ.campbeam@gov.ns.ca
ngr September 22, 1997 9:55 am
