Rural Cape Breton Communities to Benefit from Improvements

Residents of Inverness and Cheticamp, and French-speaking people in the Sydney area will benefit from two community projects that are receiving support from the provincial government.

One project is a step towards improving and enhancing the façade of Inverness' main street.

The other project will see Co-operative Radio Cheticamp Ltd. (CKJM) expand its broadcast signal to the growing francophone community in the Sydney area of Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

"Both projects are great initiatives designed to strengthen communities in Cape Breton, and help generate benefits to the local economies," said Michel Samson, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

The Municipality of Inverness County and the community are developing a strategy for making improvements to Inverness' main street. Enhancements will include better signage, banners and a community kiosk. Government will contribute $18,250 to the project.

"Inverness' façade and streetscape strategy is aimed at enhancing the experience residents and visitors have on its main street. This will help attract businesses and support the local economy," said Mr. Samson.

Part of a broader effort to improve the village's main street, the strategy will be based on priorities identified with input from businesses and the community in a conceptual design plan.

CKJM is a French-language community radio service that broadcasts from Cheticamp. Government will contribute $16,250 to help install a radio tower and antenna, and replace older equipment.

"By expanding its reach, CKJM will provide francophones in Sydney with local news in French. This will help preserve Acadian culture in Cape Breton, and help CKJM grow its service and maintain the number of people it employs in Cheticamp," said Mr. Samson.