ELEVATE Cape Breton - Fall 2017

SYDNEY AIRPORT NAMES NEW CEO P5 Mike MacKinnon welcomed back to Cape Breton

CELEBRATING CANADA P24 Parks Canada Cape Breton welcoming visitors

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3

TWICE THE APPEAL INVESTMENT IN THE PORT OF SYDNEY PAYING OFF FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES P18

THE CRAFT BREWING COMPANY THAT COULD Big Spruce Brewing has business booming P22

BRINGING INNOVATION TO SHORE Louisbourg Seafoods uses new tools and techniques P26

UPDATES FROM THE CBREN P28 Serving the needs of the business community

A PUBLICATION FROM THE CAPE BRETON PARTNERSHIP

20580409 CBDC

OCTOBER 2017 / VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3

ON THE COVER

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22 The craft brewing company that could

Big Spruce Brewing has business booming in Nyanza, creating brews and customer experiences

TWICE THE APPEAL

24 It’s a party and everyone is invited

Investment in the Port of Sydney paying off for local businesses.

Parks Canada Cape Breton celebrates Canada 150

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WADDEN

On cover: Captain Todd Burgman stands aboard the Mein Schiff 6 in the Sydney Harbour.

Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors Executive Bill Kachafanas, Breton Technologies – Chair Alex Paul, Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia – Vice Chair Rob Wadden, Grant Thornton – Treasurer Paula Condon, Nova Scotia Power Inc. – Secretary Sandra Killam, Seaside Communications – Executive Board Member

Directors Amanda Mombourquette, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce Andrew Alkenbrack, Cabot Links Blaire Martell, Lobsters’ R Us Seafood Dan MacDonald, CBCL Ltd. Gordon MacInnis, Cape Breton University James Wooder, JWB Consulting Inc. Jennifer Deleskie, Membertou Corporate Jennifer MacLeod, MacLeod Lorway Marc Dubé, Port Hawkesbury Paper LP Osborne Burke, Victoria Co-op Fisheries Scott MacNeil, Breton Electric Sean Coyle, Casino Nova Scotia Sean Reid, Mulgrave Machine Works Steve Parsons, Eskasoni Corporate Division

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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REGIONAL BUZZ

14 NEW MEMBERS 28 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK 30 PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

26 Bringing innovation to shore

Louisbourg Seafoods uses new tools and techniques to create a more sustainable fishing industry Cape Breton Partnership Contact

The Mein Schiff 6 docks at the Port of Sydney.

Elevate is published by The Chronicle Herald 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

Publisher: Sarah Dennis President and CEO: Mark Lever 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

Editor: Denise Surette, dsurette@herald.ca Photography: Steve Wadden Photography Layout & Design: Peter Ross

Elevate Magazine Lead – Kate Gorman For more information about the Cape Breton Partnership visit www.capebretonpartnership.com.

For any questions about Elevate Magazine contact Kate Gorman by phone at 902-562-0122 or email at kate@capebretonpartnership.com.

Contributing Writers: Michele McKinnon, Cape Breton Partnership

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.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065080 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the Cape Breton Partnership.

Copyright 2017 by SaltWire Network Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without expressed written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

2717 Joseph Howe Drive Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2T2 Tel: 902-426-2811 SaltWire.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Sailing ahead

Cruise ships increasing economic impact

KEITH MACDONALD President & CEO, Cape Breton Partnership

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hrough the years, as we have looked forward at our collective opportunities for economic growth and community advancement, tourism has been a near constant at the top of our list. This steadfast belief in the industry’s potential has been based on a variety of attributes seen as unique to Cape Breton, and viewed with compelling interest to travellers worldwide. Of late, there is encouraging evidence that this long held contention is firmly placed.

When compared with recent local tourism industry performance data, 2017 appears to be headed for record breaking distinction.

In the view of many industry observers, thus far, the current season has been nothing short of remarkable. Across the island, Parks Canada sites have been hopping, lineups are common at pubs and restaurants, no-vacancy signs are frequent, and special events are attracting people from near and far. The bump in visitors that typically accompanies the widely acclaimed Celtic Colours International Festival awaits, and the cruise season will peak in October.

Within the bigger industry picture are several interesting stories, and the cruise ship segment is just one. For the past several years, it has been an industry beacon. Growth has been exponential, market interest has evolved positively over the years, and reviews have been consistently enthusiastic in the affirmative.

When the 2017 season wraps up late this fall, 137,824 passengers and 59,901 crewmembers will have disembarked at the Sydney Marine Terminal, from 89 cruise ships. The vast majority set off across the island to experience many varied and enticing world-class attractions, interact with welcoming and accommodating tourism operators, acquire memorable merchandise from convivial vendors, enjoy exceptionally talented performing artists, and to be exposed to our rich history and culture.

Over the past decade, cruise ship visits to Cape Breton have more than quadrupled. The Port of Sydney team has worked strategically and tirelessly to realize this impressive growth. The global cruise industry is sprawling, sophisticated and demanding. Getting the Port of Sydney on the radar of big operators has taken enormous effort and dedication by the Sydney team. Success has come through Sydney’s involvement in the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association, direct marketing and relationship building with cruise lines and travel agents, attendance at cruise conferences, and considered pro-active interventions.

The Cape Breton cruise experience is highly rated and will continue to improve through strategic investments, such as the additional cruise ship berth. Equally as important is the attention to detail and effort that goes into mobilizing, refining and co-ordinating the involvement of tour operators, volunteer organizations, such as the Kiwanis Club of Cape Breton Golden “K”, retailers and

various tour destination sites. Travel tours go to Ingonish, Baddeck, Membertou and Louisbourg and experience the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, the Miners’ Museum, the Fortress of Louisburg and Highland Village. Many of these experiences are some of the highest rated among cruise ship visitors.

Cape Breton gets to showcase its unique and rich tourist product offering through the cruise market segment. An important objective is to entice cruise visitors to return for a longer visit and communicate widely the special and appealing attributes that comprise the Cape Breton experience.

On the important economic front, the cruise industry segment is incrementally a major contributor to overall income generation in Cape Breton. Cruise passengers and crews spend money on a range of services and products, including food, merchandise, entertainment and culture. An estimated $30 million in direct and indirect spending can be expected to positively impact the Cape Breton economy in 2017, as a result of exciting and impressive growth in the cruise ship business.

The Port of Sydney’s focused and industrious cruise strategy, including continued alignment with other Atlantic ports, will ensure that Cape Breton remains a hot spot for cruise tourists well into the future. The final cruise ship visit for this year is set for Oct. 29, 2017. So, if you see a tourist from one of the ships on the street, at a shop in Baddeck, or visiting a Parks Canada site, extend a friendly greeting. They are contributing to the regional economy in a big way and our collective involvement in the provision of a unique, hospitable and fulfilling experience is bound to pay dividends going forward.

cCarron

Harbourside Commercial Park

Port Mersey Commercial Park

Pictou Wharf

- Industrial power and water - Rail access - Connector road leading to 100 series highway - 1200’wharf adjacent to park - 300 acres of land

- Home of Innovacorp Centre of Excellence near Liverpool, N.S. - 625’wharf / 88 acres of land - Industrial power and water - Easy access to Trans-Canada Highway - 10 businesses onsite

- Recently upgraded commercial property - 300’wharf - Dredged depth of 25’ - 4 acres of laydown area - Upgraded power / water 7535014

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OCTOBER 2017

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PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

New CEO of J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport, Mike MacKinnon.

Sydney airport welcomes new CEO Boosting the Sydney Airport’s profile here and abroad CONTRIBUTED BY the Cape Breton Partnership

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n June 1, 2017, the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport welcomed their new CEO, Mike MacKinnon, back to Cape Breton. Originally from Glace Bay, MacKinnon has taken over the position from Helen MacInnis, who retired from her five-year term as CEO. MacKinnon comes to the Sydney Airport with extensive experience in the aviation field — more than three decades to be exact.

His impressive resume includes being one of the first employees of Air Nova in 1986, an aviation consultant with Guidepoint, as well as a Senior Manager and Vice-President

for network control in the United Arab Emirates. MacKinnon then brought his talents back to Nova Scotia and worked in Halifax as the Manager of station operations for Air Canada, and Director for system operations control at Jazz Aviation LP. In his new role, MacKinnon is looking to focus much of his time and energy on promoting the Sydney Airport as a prime departure point. His goal is to take advantage of as many resources as possible to encourage the local population to support the airport, the same way they would support a local business. MacKinnon and his capable team are putting their heads together to solve the ‘leakage’ problems, by redirecting people who travel to other departure airports back to Sydney.

MacKinnon is also committed to the BUSINESS NEWS

promotion of the Sydney Airport, and its status as a locally owned and operated facility, and as a not-for-profit organization.

He believes that if the public knew more about the airport and its background they would be more willing to support it, and choose to fly from Sydney.

MacKinnon envisions success by working directly with current and potential customers to identify needs and fix gaps within the industry. He wants to develop a strategy that puts the Sydney Airport on the map, for not only tourists, but locals travelling all over the world. As MacKinnon transitions back into life on Cape Breton Island, he looks forward to meeting and collaborating with members of the business community to advance the region’s growing and diverse economy.

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Regional Buzz Iona celebrates World Oceans Day

PHOTO COREY KATZ PHOTOGRAPHY

NAFTA panel sides with Port Hawkesbury Paper In April, 2017, a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) panel ruled in favour of Port Hawkesbury Paper and ordered the U.S. Department of Commerce to reassess how the department goes about charging border duties. The department can either appeal the decision from the panel or change the tariff based off of the panel’s information. The agreement was initially established because of a petition that was filed by a couple of American supercalendered paper producers. These producers believed that Canadian paper goods were unfairly subsidized, like Port Hawkesbury Paper, who received $124.5 million from the Nova Scotia government to aid them in reopening the mill, following a year-long sales process in 2012. The Department of Commerce came to the conclusion in October, 2015, that supercalendered paper imports from Canada to the U.S. had received countervailable subsidies that varied from 17.87 per cent to 20.18 per cent. The Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill has 330 employees, controls more than 500,000 hectares of Crown land in Nova Scotia, and also provides 400 to 500 jobs supported through trucking and wood harvesting. The mill creates supercalendered paper for magazines, catalogues, brochures and advertising inserts, and produces 20 per cent of North America’s supercalendered paper quantity.

The third annual World Oceans Day Festival was celebrated in Iona, Cape Breton this past June. World Oceans Day is celebrated internationally on June 8, but the festival extended its activities over an entire weekend with games, seminars, and activities for people of all ages. Some of the events that took place at this year’s festival included a cleanup of Iona Beach, a kayak workshop, and the grand opening of the Trans Canada Trail water access point at the Grand Narrows waterfront. There were also several different presentations focused on the weather and climate, and the effect these patterns have on our local water sources. The festival wrapped with the grand opening of the Bras d’Or Lake water route, which is a 377 km section of the Great Trail and the Iona Access Point.

Pan Cape Breton Food Hub expansion The Pan Cape Breton Food Hub is ready for expansion, due to the growth in popularity of their online grocery system over the past few years. The non-profit co-op provides easier access for local consumers and business owners to connect with food that is produced in Cape Breton. In 2015 the Food Hub had 50 customers sign up in its first year

Celebrating 25 Years in Business BUSINESS NEWS

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OCTOBER 2017

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of business and in the following year, they were able to accommodate a total of 75 customers.

Moving into 2017 and 2018, the Food Hub is prepared to serve as many as 200 consumers who will be getting most of their fresh food from locally sourced producers. After experiencing a successful first couple of years, the Hub is ready to add more members and producers to their roster and do more promotions to showcase the benefits of the local food movement. If you want to learn more about Pan Cape Breton Food Hub, contact them via email at cblocalfoodhub@ gmail.com, visit their website at www.capebreton.localfoodmarketplace.com, or you can find them on Facebook.

Dr. Roberta Bondar visits the Alexander Graham Bell Museum Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first woman in space, received a honourary Doctorate of Letters from Cape Breton University, at a special convocation held at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, on July 22, 2017.

The celebration took place on the 25th anniversary of Bondar’s flight on the space shuttle Discovery. Bondar was honoured

by CBU for her research in space medicine. Bondar led an international research team for more than a decade at NASA. Her team searched for new connections between astronauts recovering from the microgravity of space and neurological illnesses here on Earth. Bondar has also been recognized with the NASA Space Medal, and was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. She has also received the Order of Canada, and has her own star on Canada’s Walk

of Fame. In addition, Bondar had an exhibit called Light in the Land, which was on display at the Bell museum this past summer. The exhibit showcased a collection of her own photographs, taken during her exemplary career.

Joe MacNeil of Ingonish recognized for volunteerism On April 18, 2017, long-time Ingonish resident, Joe MacNeil, received the Representative Volunteer Award for the Municipality of the County of Victoria, at the 2017 Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony. The awards presentation was held at an official ceremony in Halifax with guests in attendances from across Nova Scotia. MacNeil was nominated by Victoria County officials for his 40 years of dedicated volunteer service in coaching youth in various sports throughout Cape Breton, and across Nova Scotia. MacNeil offered his expertise and encouragement in sports such as basketball, wrestling, golf and soccer. MacNeil was personally thanked for his commitment to helping youth live healthier and happier lives through sport by the Honourable J.J. Grant, former Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia. The celebrations continued as MacNeil was also recognized at the annual Victoria County volunteer award ceremony on April 25, 2017.

Raising the Villages program to make communities more welcoming

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Red Label Kilts starts jewelry line This past summer, Red Label Kilts started a jewelry line called Tartan Gems. Local jewelry designer Diana Morrissey worked alongside Red Label Kilts owner, Deana Lloy, to produce pieces that have been well received by customers. These uniquely designed pieces are available in almost any tartan, and can be customized upon request. Besides their new jewelry line, Red Label Kilts specializes in making custom and traditional kilts, tartan design, offers kilt rentals, and more, all while using 100 per cent wool tartan materials. To learn more about Red Label Kilts contact Deana Lloy via email at redlabelkilts@gmail.com, by phone at 902-539-6973, or visit their Facebook page.

In April 2017, Inverness Municipal Council’s monthly session included the presentation of the declaration called Mawiomi w’jit Mijuwajijk, or Raising the Villages.

Raising the Villages is an initiative that was created based on the old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” The movement is aimed to help provide children in local communities with a solid start to their lives to ensure health and happiness. The initiative believes that all people should work together to ensure every child gets the best start in life, and that children are society’s “North Star.” Inverness County has dedicated $13,000 to ensure the objectives of this new initiative are met for the youth of their region. Waycobah

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BUSINESS NEWS

and Wagmatcook First Nations, Port Hawkesbury Town Council, Victoria County Council and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, have joined the Municipality of Inverness to move this declaration forward.

Inverness County Business Dinner On June 9, 2017, the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) hosted the Inverness County Business Dinner. The dinner took place at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Mabou, and had 100 people from the local business community attend. The event served as an opportunity for attendees from across Inverness and the

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Strait region to come together and network with industry representatives and hear presentations from Tourism Nova Scotia, Parks Canada, and the Cape Breton Partnership. Tourism Nova Scotia CEO, Michele Saran, delivered the keynote that reflected on a banner year for local tourism, as well as a few upcoming initiatives and promotions for the province.

Maria O’Hearn from Parks Canada shared a lively presentation on local Canada 150 celebrations, infrastructure upgrades, and how Cabot Trail road construction was progressing. The CBREN looks forward to hosting many more events of this nature in all three of the partnering CBREN Municipalities throughout the year.

We’koqma’q One Stop Celebrates Grand Opening On June 20, 2017, the We’koqma’q One Stop celebrated their grand opening. A large crowd of people from the community came to support the grand opening of the new establishment. The new gas station

and convenience store provided several fun activities to celebrate the grand opening, such as Plinko, Pump up the Fun Inflatable Booth, and bouncy houses for children.

The event also offered hot dogs, ice cream, cake, prizes, along with speakers and a special ceremony with community officials. In addition, the new Tim Hortons location in We’koqma’q also had their grand opening next door to the new One Stop. For information or store hours call 902-756-3088, or find the We’koqma’q One Stop on Facebook.

CONTRIBUTED

Chief Terry Paul receives Order of Canada

Lorway Fund Awards recognize two local entrepreneurs On June 24, 2017, Alicia Lake of the Pan Cape Breton Food Hub and Angela Houston of Talo Cafébar, in Glace Bay, were each presented with a Lorway Fund Award at the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation. Lake and Houston were recognized for their contributions to the local economy through their food-based ventures. The Lorway Fund Awards were created to honour the memory of Charles and Wayne Lorway, and the great

Membertou Chief and CEO, Terrance Paul, was named as a recipient of the Order of Canada in June, 2017. The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. With more than 35 million people living in Canada, only 6,000 people have received the honour of being named a recipient of the Order of Canada. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. It celebrates contributions, which are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to our country. For 33 years, and a remarkable 17 consecutive terms, Chief Paul has led the community of Membertou in an upward direction toward prosperity in business development for the betterment of the community. Just 100 years ago, the community of Kun’tewiktuk (Kings Road Reserve) was relocated to the current location of Membertou and now a Mi’kmaq Chief has been recognized with one of the highest honours our nation offers.

Louisbourg Seafoods’ Mira Bay Seafood Truck has a new location!

1897 Kings Road, Howie Centre | Thursday - Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm

For all your fresh, local seafood needs.

BUSINESS NEWS

OCTOBER 2017

impact that they had on their family, friends, and community. This fund was created to provide onetime grants to individuals, organizations, and businesses, to help them pursue possible opportunities concerning entrepreneurship, development of arts and culture, or education.

Downtown bike rental business opens in Sydney i Bike Sydney is a new business on the Sydney waterfront that has a colourful fleet of 90 bicycles ready for locals or tourists to use to explore the city. The business was started more than a year ago when Maria and Gary Phillips, originally from Ontario, were operating their motorized scooter business in Florida, and were experiencing severe homesickness. The pair read a news article that featured Bernadette MacNeil, Director of Cruise and Marketing for the Port of Sydney and were inspired to make the journey to the Maritimes. In the article Bernadette spoke of imminent growth for the local cruise ship industry. Maria and Gary could see there was opportunity available to bring their business idea back to Sydney, and now almost a year later the i Bike Sydney kiosk is situated on the exterior of the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion. You can go online to www.ibikesydney.com to learn more about their rates and to book your rental.

New Waterford drone company opens Dronaid Technology and Solutions has set up operations in New Waterford. This subsidiary of RGI Technologies was established in New Waterford approximately 10 months ago,

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and is dedicated to research and development of technology and solutions concerning unmanned aerial vehicles. The company’s drones have many uses in areas such as construction, surveillance and security, real estate, and site monitoring. Other uses were discussed during Dronaid Expo 2017, at Cape Breton University, where live drone demonstrations took place and information was presented regarding the rules of flying drones in Canada.

The establishment already has five employees consisting of pilots, assemblers, engineers and sales staff, and they hope that more staff can be added to the team in the future.

Membertou Heritage Park named best indoor cultural experience Membertou’s Heritage Park was recognized with the Best Indoor Cultural Experience Award at the International Aboriginal Tourism Conference. Jeff Ward, General Manager of the Heritage Park, was honoured when the establishment was praised at the conference. Ward also encourages anyone who has not visited the Park to stop by Membertou the next time they are in town. The Membertou Park is a five-acre establishment where visitors can learn about the history of the Mi’kmaq community.

There are also tour guides at the park, and a large indoor exhibit to enhance the overall visitor experience when learning about the Mi’kmaq culture. If you want to learn more about the Membertou Heritage Park before your visit, go to www.membertouheritagepark.com.

The Outdoor Store celebrates 25 years

CONTRIBUTED

Momentum initiative launched in Cape Breton On June 23, 2017, The Momentum initiative was announced for Cape Breton’s startup community. Momentum, an initiative managed by Innovacorp, received $1.895 million in federal and provincial funding for the next three years. Momentum will serve as a hub for startup entrepreneurs and will be housed at the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation. Momentum's startup hub will consist of an entrepreneurin-residence, a shared office space, a computer numerical control machine, a computer station for computer-aided design, a 3D printer, a mill, welding equipment, an electronics lab, and various other types of technology. Momentum will be led by Executive Director, Bob Pelley, and will have support from the Cape Breton Partnership, Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia Community College, and National Research Council of Canada.

The Outdoor Store is celebrating their 25th year in business in 2017. The retail store, owned

by John and Rosalie Pino, has been a key piece to Baddeck’s main street for a quarter century.

They offer a great selection of outdoor clothing, accessories, and footwear for any nature enthusiast. The Outdoor Store has products from well-known suppliers, such as Columbia, North Face, Michael Kors, Louis Garneau and Saucony. If you want to learn more about The Outdoor Store and the products they carry, call 902-295-2576, or email outdoorstore@me.com.

Victoria Standard celebrates 25 years in publication In February 2017, the Victoria Standard celebrated their silver anniversary. The Standard has been publishing their bi-weekly newspaper, and employing people in Victoria County for 25 years.

The publication has a strong local focus and contains articles on entertainment, health, business, all levels of government, and impactful stories involving the people that live and work in Victoria County. The Standard has made an extensive effort to make their publications accessible to

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former residents of Cape Breton who are now living across Nova Scotia and North America. The Victoria Standard believes that their newspaper can give a ‘touch of home’ to those who want to stay in the known on Victoria County news.

Mountain Pine Adventures opens In May 2017, Mountain Pine Adventures opened their ecotour agency to the public. The full-service adventure business offers various ways for people to experience the beauty of Cape Breton from high up in the trees.

Their unique list of services consists of hiking, accommodations, guided gourmet adventure tours, treetop zip-line tours that glide you above the vast forest and rivers, and more. The hiking tours consist of three different levels of intensity, and are led by tour guides who are well-educated in topics such as biology, geology, and heritage. If you want to learn more about Mountain Pine Adventures, find them online at www.mountainpineadventures. com, or send an email to mountainpineadventures@gmail.com.

Victoria County Business Forum On March 22, 2017, the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) hosted the first Victoria County Business Forum, held at the Inverary Resort in Baddeck. Approximately 85 people attended the CBREN event that had numerous guest speakers, an update on CBREN activities, a panel discussion, and offered the opportunity for attendees from Victoria County's business community to network with industry representatives.

The purpose of the forum was to notify business people in the community about the numerous projects the CBREN is undertaking to address barriers to business and promote economic growth. Guest speakers included Leslie Wright, Executive Director of the Alexander Graham Bell Foundation, who talked about upcoming events and exhibits that will draw more tourists to the museum. Madeline Harvey from Parks Canada was also on hand to outline the year ahead for local Parks Canada sites, Tom Wilson, Victoria County’s Director of Tourism and Recre-

ation, gave an update on the tourism strategy for the county.

In addition, Keith MacDonald, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, and Patrick Austin, Economic Development Officer for Victoria County with the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, also made presentations on the work being done to support the local business community.

Destination Cape Breton receives $1.92 million On July 25, 2017, Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, delivered an announcement for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for Cape Breton’s tourism sector. Destination Cape Breton was the recipient of $1.92 million from ACOA, which will be dispersed to the organization over the next three years. The funds will go towards implementing Destination Cape Breton’s strategic action plan that will increase tourism efforts across the island. Representatives from Parks Canada, Victoria County Warden Bruce Morrison, CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke, and

members of the local community attended the announcement, which took place at the Fortress of Louisbourg.

Richie Mann named as New Strait Chamber President In May, 2017, the Strait Area Chamber welcomed their newly appointed President, Richie Mann. He is familiar with the important role the Strait Chamber plays in advancing the business community’s goals, as he has previously held the Chamber’s first and second Vice President positions. The St. Peter's native has been one of their longest serving executives and has been a key contributor to the Chamber for nearly a decade. Mann worked as a provincial Liberal Cabinet Minister and as an MLA for the riding of Richmond. He also worked at the Stora Paper Mill in Point Tupper before getting involved in politics. Currently, Mann is the Vice-President of Marketing and Government Relations for the proposed container terminal development project at Melford, in Guysborough County.

The Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) is a collaborative effort between the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Municipalities of Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria Counties.

The CBREN activities are delivered by the Cape Breton Partnership with oversite from a private sector Board of Directors.

VICTORIA COUNTY

CBREN AREAS OF FOCUS

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

INVERNESS COUNTY

CHAMPION BUSINESS GROWTH RICHMOND COUNTY

LEVERAGE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE LAND & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK For more information about the CBREN and it’s activities, visit the Cape Breton Partnership website at capebretonpartnership.com/cbren.

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more. To learn more about the Dundee Resort & Golf Club you can visit their website at www. capebretonresorts.com/ourresorts/dundee, or contact them by email at dundeeinfo@capebretonresorts.com.

Celtic Colours receives $1.4 million in funding over three years

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Seaboard Industrial Supply makes new hires Diversification has been the key to Seaboard Industrial Supply’s success and is the reason they have been in business for nearly 50 years.

Cape Bretoners have always turned to Bill Morrison and his staff to purchase the safety equipment and reliable personal protection gear needed to complete their work in a safe and efficient manner. Even with the decline in the local coal mines and steel plants, Seaboard has taken the change in Cape Breton’s economic landscape in stride and acquired more specialized products, which branch out into smaller industries that exist across the region. Due to an increase in business with these new customers, and the addition of new supplier contracts, Morrison has made five new hires in the last few months to keep up with the supplier demand. Keegan Bonnar, Tim MacIntosh, Cecil Smith, David Ferguson, and Lief Lurz are all new additions to the experienced and dedicated team that takes pride in serving their customers.

Seaboard is proud to welcome these five individuals to their team and looks forward to working together to continue to be a strong leader and contributor in the growth of Cape Breton’s economy. If you are looking to purchase any safety equipment, you can stop into the Seaboard Industrial Supply Ltd. store at 15 School Street in Sydney or phone 902-564-0400.

New branding for Inverness County On June 28, 2017, the Municipality of the County of Inverness held an official launch party for their region’s new brand.

Newly dubbed ‘Canada’s Musical Coast,’ the celebration took place at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, in Judique. The purpose for the branding was to market Inverness County as a tourism destination, and align it with Destination Cape Breton and Tourism Nova Scotia’s current promotional efforts. Musicians from across Inverness County will be celebrated by the Municipality for their contributions to its cultural heritage as part of the new branding launch. This brand is the Municipality’s way of thanking these musicians for being ambassadors for the area by performing locally, in Canada, and across the world.

Dundee Resort & Golf Club gets new owners

On June 1, 2017, the sale of Dundee Resort & Golf Club was finalized as owner of Cape Breton Resorts, Scott MacAulay, sold the island resort to Sonny Grewal. Grewal was previously involved in the hospitality industry, and now plans to work on this new venture in Dundee with his business partner, and brother, Sumer Grewal. Grewal plans to implement upgrades that are projected to cost as much as $250,000. Upgrades to the property already started through the summer and include exterior work on the buildings, as well as painting and roof work. Changes to the interior are in the project plan, including new beds and televisions for the guest rooms.

Grewal also plans on making Dundee into a seasonal home, increasing golf memberships at the resort, and implementing promotions that focus on dining. The seasonal resort and golf club has a 60-room lodge, two restaurants, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, and

On March 13, 2017, an announcement was made at Our Lady of Fatima Hall, in Sydney River, that the Celtic Colours International Festival will receive $1.82 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments over the next three years. The funding will support Celtic Colour’s community events taking place across the island. Cape Breton MPs, Rodger Cuzner and Mark Eyking, announced that $1.2 million of the federal funding came from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, and $200,000 came from Canadian Heritage’s Canada Arts Presentation Fund.

As for the provincial part of the funding, Nova Scotia’s Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage provided the Celtic Colours with $375,000 over the next three years, and $45,000 in additional funds came from the 150 Forward Fund, which go toward Canada 150 initiatives in 2017. Celtic Colours is a nineday festival, which takes place each October, and offers events such as concerts, workshops, dances, and community dinners throughout Cape Breton. The festival sold nearly 22,000 tickets in 2016, and has helped prolong the tourism season into the fall months.

Marie Walsh new CAO for CBRM On July 17, 2017, Marie Walsh was appointed the new Chief Administrative Officer of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The Westmount native was the lone applicant when CBRM posted the CAO job internally, and now she will serve as the third CAO since the Municipality came to fruition in 1995. Since Michael Merritt left the CAO position in early 2017, Walsh was managing two roles for the Municipality as acting CAO and Chief Financial Officer. Walsh has been working for CBRM since 2007 and was formerly the Director of Finance for the Municipality. Before working for the

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Municipality, Walsh worked in finance with Cape Breton Island Housing. She became a Certified General Accountant after obtaining a BBA accounting degree from St. F.X. University, and a BBA degree from Cape Breton University.

The Chronicle Herald buys Transcontinental Media to form Saltwire Network The Chronicle Herald, Canada’s oldest independently owned newspaper, has purchased Transcontinental Inc. In this monumental move, The Herald has now acquired 28 publications and their subsidiary products in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. After the purchase was made The Herald now houses all of those news outlets under their newly created media hub, Saltwire Network. The purchase included the Cape Breton Post with all of the staff coming on board with Saltwire Network.

New Dawn collaborates with Immigration Office for AIP info sessions On June 20, 2017, New Dawn hosted two information sessions with the Cape Breton Partnership, on the new Atlantic Immigration Pilot. During the sessions, officials from Nova Scotia’s provincial Immigration Office, and the Cape Breton Island Centre for Immigration, discussed the federal government’s new Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), and the benefits it has for local employers. Dozens of people from businesses and organizations across Cape Breton came together at these information sessions with the common goal of increasing the amount of attraction and retention of new Canadians in communities across Nova Scotia.

The AIP program was created to facilitate the immigration processing stage at the federal level, and to help employers bridge their labour market gaps. The AIP program allows employers to attract immigrants to positions if they have not had success filling labour requirements. To date, Nova Scotia has received approximately 200 applications for the 800 available openings that the province has for the participation in the AIP program.

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Downtown Sydney revitalization project In March 2017, Ekistics Plan and Design announced a $7.5-million plan revitalization that would aid in refreshing downtown Sydney.

Some of the main ideas discussed in the plan included downtown Sydney gaining features such as a public square with a large multipurpose screen, small parks, outdoor markets, dining areas and plazas. These immense developments are set for the waterfront to George Street, and will span from Dorchester to Townsend Streets. There will also be significant changes to Charlotte Street, including a wider one-lane street, wider sidewalks, a bike lane, and hidden underground power lines. In a few years, Ekistics Plan and Design’s plan is to make the downtown area resemble a modern European city.

Joanne Schmidt recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year Joanne Schmidt, Owner of the Cape Breton based company Galloping Cows, was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network on April 11, 2017.

Joanne was in a car accident 11 years ago when travelling for work from Baddeck back to Port Hood, which left her with severe brain trauma. After the accident, Joanne struggled to decide how best to continue with the family business while dealing with the impacts of her injury. With the support of her family, Joanne has been able to cope with the hurdles that come with her injury.

Joanne has had to adapt her role within the company, but her determination and commitment

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

New company drops anchor in Cape Breton A downtown Sydney staple has become new again as the formerly known City Printers gets refreshed as City Print +. Along with the name change, City Print + has branched out to become a full service marketing, design, and print shop with the launch of their sister company, Anchored Ideas Ltd. General Manager for City Print +, Danielle Johnston, and Danielle Patterson, Partner with Devantec IT Solutions, have partnered on this new venture. The two have collaborated to create a one-stop shop for Cape Breton businesses looking for help when building their brand identity. With an office directly above City Print + on Townsend Street in Sydney, Anchored Ideas works one-on-one with their clients to create achievable marketing strategies guaranteed to produce results. The Anchored team are creative partners focused on business growth and building recognition and strong marketing campaigns for their client’s brand. Through their combined experience, Johnston and Patterson offer experience in digital and print media, branding and marketing campaigns, website development, event planning, building corporate identities, communications, and strategic planning. For a complimentary marketing consultation and assessment of your business brand, visit www.anchoredideas.com. to success has kept her going.

You can find Galloping Cows at www.gallopingcows.com to view their product listing.

First season for Kluskap Ridge and RV Park This summer, the Englishtown Ridge Campground reopened as Kluskap Ridge RV and Campground, after Rosemarie and Austin Christmas, Sharon and

Darrell Bernard, and Tim and Amanda Jesty, partnered to purchase the campground. The new business model focuses on providing aboriginal experiences and promoting healthy living in the outdoors. The campground provides yoga classes, mountain bike rentals, nature hikes, drumming and beading demonstrations, authentic foods, aboriginal crafting sessions, tipi accommodations, mini-powwows, and also

storytelling at the community fire pit in the evenings. The owners have plans for expansion in the upcoming year, involving a water feature and sports area. Kluskap Ridge RV and Campground’s season spans from May 5 to Nov. 13.

To learn more, visit their website at www.kluskapridge.ca, email them at info@kluskapridge.ca, or call to make a reservation at 902-929-2598.

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NEW MEMBERS SYDNEY AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3R DESIGN STUDIO 3R Design is a new meditation studio, which also provides interior decorating services, in an effort to aid in calming the lives and homes of their clients.

Stephanie Gouthro 16 Lorway Avenue Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 4Z2 902-537-1505 www.3rdesignstudio.ca COMMON GOOD SOLUTIONS Part consultancy, part educator, part social impact incubator, Common Good Solutions is a Canadian leader in the global social enterprise movement. They accomplish this by bringing together people and organizations from across sectors to make social, cultural and environmental change through business. Common Good Solutions helps entrepreneurs, non-profits and co-operatives start and grow social enterprises.

Chloe Donatelli 37 Nepean Street, Studio 203 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1J2 902-407-0822 www.commongoodsolutions.ca COPIA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Copia Professional Services offers human capital solutions and consulting services.

Their dedicated team of experienced business professionals and HR consultants identify practical solutions while also working within your environment and budget.

Anna-Marie Hubbard 99 Wyse Road, Suite 1123 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3A 4S5 902-880-2242 www.copiaprofessionals.com DEVANTEC IT SOLUTIONS Devantec is one of the leading companies in Eastern Canada concerning professional services and IT solutions. The Devantec team strives to improve the success of their clients’ businesses by providing them with cost-effective consulting services and quality project solutions.

Mark Patterson 66 Wentworth Street, Lower Level Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6T4 902-270-5125 info@devantec.com www.devantec.com

793 Mahon Street New Waterford, Nova Scotia B1H 3K8 902-577-5004 www.localagent.cooperators.ca

MADI G’S CUSTOM TOURS Madi G's Custom Tours offers 40 different options and customizable tours of Cape Breton, which include activities, such as drives through the country-side, geocaching, lobster fishing, and many more.

WOW AUTO DETAILING WOW Auto Detailing is a fine auto detailer that specializes in headlight cataract removal, exterior and interior basic washes, 12-month paint sealant, leather treatment, foul odour elimination, and more.

Barbara Moseychuck 150 Weidner Drive Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 1V5 902-371-1784 www.madigcustomtours.wixsite.com/ customtours

Frank MacLean 168 Vulcan Avenue Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 5W7 902-562-4969 Visit WOW Auto Detailing on Facebook

OLLIE AROUND INC. Ollie Around Inc. is a locally owned and operated specialty shop with a vast selection of apparel, footwear and accessories, for those who like to live an active lifestyle through sports, such as skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing.

Ryan Mansfield 1290 Kings Road, Suite 19 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 1E2 902-562-1671 www.ollie-around.myshopify.com SYDNEY CHIROPRACTIC Sydney Chiropractic is a wellness centre that addresses your health concerns head-on with the help of their team’s expertise, while also feeling comfortable in their calming, home-like establishment.

David Dunn 254 Kings Road Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 1A6 902-562-1407 www.sydneychiropractic.ca THE BRETON LAW GROUP The Breton Law group is dedicated to providing their clients with a vast variety of legal services. They offer personal services such as real estate transactions, estate planning, and family law, while also offering business services, including strategic advice on corporate structures and commercial transactions, tax planning, labour and employment advice.

292 Charlotte Street, Suite 300 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C7 902-563-1000 www.bretonlawgroup.com THE CO-OPERATORS INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES The Co-operators uses their expertise to assist you in picking the right solutions for home, life, auto, business and travel insurance, and more.

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STRAIT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CLOCKWORK COMMUNICATIONS INC. Clockwork Communications Inc. is a full service communications agency that helps organizations of all sizes address their internal and external communications needs.

Deborah McNamara P.O. Box 33145 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 4T6 902-442-3882 www.clockworkcanada.com ROCKDALE ELECTRIC LIMITED Rockdale Electric’s mission is to offer its customers the highest quality electrical services. With more than 35 years worth of experience, they focus on personalized service through speed and convenience.

Earl Mombourquette 1093 Highway 247 St Peters, Nova Scotia 902-631-0837 emombourquette@hotmail.com Visit Rockdale Electric Ltd.’s Facebook Page ACUSOURCE ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE SERVICES AcuSource Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Services is a home-based clinic that offers acupuncture and services, such as private consultations, community acupuncture, and 15 online consultations.

Margaret MacIntosh 2085 Highway 316 Saint Andrews, Nova Scotia B0H 1X0 902-872-0752 acusourcesolutions@gmail.com Visit AcuSource on Facebook B & E GENERAL STORE B & E General Store is a locally owned and operated convenience store in St. Peter’s that offers goods, such as groceries, tobacco, lottery, and other food and drink products.

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Paula MacDonald 9982 Grenville Street St. Peters, Nova Scotia 902-535-3349 begeneralstore@gmail.com DEVANTEC IT SOLUTIONS Devantec is a premier provider of strategic technology services designed specifically for small to medium-size organizations and residential homes.

Mark Patterson 66 Wentworth Street, Lower Level Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6T4 902-270-5125 info@devantec.com www.devantec.com HIGHLAND BEVERAGE Highland Beverage provides reverse osmosis home and business delivery to surrounding areas, ultraviolet lights and water treatment systems, cooler rental and sales, ice sales, and all other refreshment needs.

Michael Digdon 1029 Highway 247 Rockdale, Nova Scotia B0E 3B0 902-587-2524 highlandbeverage@eastlink.ca SePtember 2015

CHÉTICAMP ECONOMIC COUNCIL Chéticamp Economic Council is a nonprofit community organization that represents and facilitates concerts, and promotes trade and economic development in the Acadian region of Chéticamp.

Dr. Glenna Calder 8523 Highway 19 Port Hood, Nova Scotia B0E 2W0 902-787-3388 info@beachstonewellness.ca www.drglennacalder.ca

Scott Aucoin Chéticamp, Nova Scotia B0E 1H0 902-224-1242 cecheticamp@gmail.com www.cecheticamp.ca

ISLAND EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATION Island Employment Association helps clients find jobs and career possibilities.

They also help employers look for qualified and dependable employees.

UNIVERSITÉ SAINTE-ANNE Université Sainte-Anne is an institution for the Acadian and Francophone population of Nova Scotia that offers high quality and personalized programs.

Alvina Samson 1695, Highway 1 Church Point, Nova Scotia B0W 1M0 902-769-2114 admission@usainteanne.ca www.usainteanne.ca BEACHSTONE WELLNESS Beachstone Wellness is a naturopathic doctor’s office that works with all ages, and specializes in improving digestion, hormone balance, sleep, energy, thyroid and adrenal health, immune function and mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

Chris Cook 811 Reeves Street, Unit 6 Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia B9A 2S4 902-625-0001 pproctor@islandemployment.ca www.islandemployment.ca PORT HAWKESBURY SHOPPING CENTRE Port Hawkesbury Shopping Centre offers goods such as groceries, food, household appliances, crafts, dollar items, and lending services.

Barbara MacKinnon 47 Paint Street Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia B9A 3J9 902-625-0382 Visit the Port Hawkesbury Shopping Centre on Facebook 31

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STRAIT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF ANTIGONISH In Antigonish County, you can find a competitive business environment, state-of-the-art educational facilities, regional healthcare facilities, a vibrant arts and cultural community, as well as a wide range of sport and recreational opportunities.

Joyce Levangie 285 Beech Hill Road Beech Hill, Nova Scotia B2G 0B4 902-863-1117 joyce.levangie@antigonishcounty.ns.ca www.antigonishcounty.ns.ca EAST COAST SUNSHINE BED & BREKY East Coast Sunshine Bed & Breky is a bed and breakfast located right in heart of St. Peters Village, offering breakfast, daily housekeeping and more.

Anita Bertin 9329 Pepperell Street St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia B0E 3B0 902-535-3885 www.eastcoastsunshinebedandbreky.com

THE GREENHOUSE CO-OP LTD. The Greenhouse Co-op Ltd. is a seasonal bedding plant and garden centre with a wide selection of high-quality plants and other gardening accessories.

Debbie MacDonald 9651 Grenville Street St Peter’s, Nova Scotia B0E 3B0 902-535-3129 cdixonnightingale@ns.sympatico.ca UNITED WAY CAPE BRETON United Way Cape Breton strives to improve lives and build communities on the island of Cape Breton, by helping more than 30,000 people give to 387 different charities.

Lynne McCarron 245 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C4 902-562-5226 erin@unitedwaycapebreton.com www.unitedwaycapebreton.com ANITA CLEMENS PHOTOGRAPHY Anita Clemens Photography specializes in photographing children, graduates, families, business events and weddings.

Anita Clemens 105 MacKenzie Drive Sydney, Nova Scotia B1R 2H2 902-371-4955 neator2@hotmail.com www.anitaclemensphotography.ca ROB SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY Rob Smith Photography specializes in photographing and documenting wedding events.

Rob Smith 2010 Crandall Road Sugarcamp, Nova Scotia B9A 1T5 902-623-0994 rob@robertneilsmith.ca www.robertneilsmith.ca STRAIT RICHMOND MINOR HOCKEY Strait Richmond Minor Hockey is a minor hockey association for players of all ages in the Strait Area.

John Ouellette Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia srmha@outlook.com www.srmh.goalline.ca DESIREE CAMPBELL – TRADEWINDS REALTY Desiree Campbell is a realtor for Tradewinds Realty in the Inverness region of Nova Scotia.

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Desiree Campbell Inverness, Nova Scotia 902-258-5556 desiree.campbell@tradewindsrealty.com www.realtyinverness.com CELTIC AIR SERVICES Celtic Air Services operates an executive fixed-base operator and aircraft fuel service at the Port Hawkesbury Airport.

David Morgan Port Hawkesbury Airport Port Hastings, Nova Scotia 902-631-1808 hello@celticairservices.com www.celticairservices.com CHRIS LEWIS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Chris Lewis Business Solutions has been helping Nova Scotia businesses for more than 10 years, by offering professional business skills training, business consultation, and web and IT services.

Chris Lewis 440 Nelson Street New Glasgow, Nova Scotia B2H 3C4 902-753-6818 chris@chrislewissolutions.ca www.chrislewissolutions.ca COMMON GOOD SOLUTIONS Part consultancy, part educator, part social impact incubator, Common Good Solutions is a Canadian leader in the global social enterprise movement.

They accomplish this by bringing together people and organizations from across sectors to make social, cultural and environmental change through business. Common Good Solutions helps entrepreneurs, non-profits and cooperatives start and grow social enterprises.

THE CASKET PRINTING & PUBLISHING The Casket Printing & Publishing is a weekly community newspaper for Antigonish town and county, and also provides commercial printing in Antigonish through Casket Printing, Campbell’s Printing, and in Port Hawkesbury, through Strait Printing.

Brian Lazzuri 88 College Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2L7 902-863-4370 editor@thecasket.ca www.thecasket.ca ST. PETER’S & AREA LION’S CLUB Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members, in approximately 46,000 clubs, in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.

Gerry Gibson 39 Lions Avenue St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia B0E 3B0 902-535-2482 stpeterslions@hotmail.com Visit the St. Peters & Area Lions Club on Facebook PAN CAPE BRETON FOOD HUB Pan Cape Breton Food Hub is a non-profit initiative designed to strengthen the linkages between local food producers and local consumers at all levels.

Alicia Lake Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-577-3260 admin@pancapebretonfoodhub.ca www.capebreton.localfoodmarketplace.com

Chloe Donatelli 37 Nepean Street, Studio 203 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1J2 902-407-0822 info@commongoodsolutions.ca www.commongoodsolutions.ca

Chartered Professional Accountants

Robert Samson P.O. Box 373 Petit de Grat, Nova Scotia B0E 2L0 902-631-1124 info@es2.ca www.es2.ca EVENTS CAPE BRETON Events Cape Breton works to promote Cape Breton Island as a premiere destination for meetings, conventions, and major conferences.

Jennifer Shebib 77 Kings Road Sydney, Nova Scotia 902-270-8551 jennifer@eventscb.ca www.eventscapebreton.com

If you are interested in learning more about the Strait Area Chamber or Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce please contact their respective office: SYDNEY AREA CHAMBER Adrian White, Executive Director 275 Charlotte Street B1P 1C6 902-564-6453 info@sydneyareachamber.ca www.sydneyareachamber.ca STRAIT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Amanda Mombourquette, Executive Director 609 Church Street, Suite 101 Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia B9A 2X4 902-625-1588 info@straitareachamber.ca www.straitareachamber.ca

15 Dorchester Street, Sydney, nS 902-539-3900

MGM & Associates is Cape Breton’s largest independent accounting firm providing a full range of services to clients in Eastern Nova Scotia, including the following: LoCALLy owNEd & oPErAtEd

ES2 DIGITAL eS2 Digital is a technology company specializing in digital signage solutions, digital advertising opportunities, technology sales and service.

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TWICE THE APPEAL

Investment in the Port of Sydney paying off for local businesses STORY MICHELE MCKINNON PHOTOS STEVE WADDEN

A

rising tide lifts all boats. In the case of the cruise ship industry, the lift the industry is providing to the island’s economy is significant. This year, Sydney’s port will welcome more than 135,000 passengers — a 67 per cent increase over last year.

Direct and indirect spending from the visits should bring in about $30 million.

The numbers are impressive. And, with the announcement earlier this year of the construction of a 287-metre second berth to house additional ships, they are only expected to grow.

In the last five years, the industry has pumped an estimated $102 million into the local economy. Increased awareness around the port, along with the strategic marketing of

a top-notch tourism product, has brought in the additional business, according to Nicole MacAulay, acting Manager of Marketing and Development for the Port of Sydney.

She also points to membership in the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association as a factor in driving up numbers.

The port is proud of its sophisticated and aggressive marketing plan and acknowledges that the millions invested by the province of Quebec into the cruise business has benefitted Sydney — cruises leaving Quebec have Atlantic Canadian stops, including at the Port of Sydney. Not surprisingly, it is also paying off for Quebec. Holland America reports Quebec City as the number one port of call for satisfaction in the world. Sydney’s understanding of the industry, and emphasis on building infrastructure, bodes well for the future.

The second berth is a $20 million project equally funded by the municipal, provincial and federal governments. The construction is expected to take up to 18 months, and will bring hundreds of jobs in the construction industry over the course of the project. That’s the short-term. The long-term tells an even better story.

“The port is an engine of economic growth, that we must continue to develop,” says Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Sydney, Marlene Usher.

The second berth will accommodate larger ships, a trend that is evident in today’s cruise industry, with more than 50 per cent of all vessels expected to be greater than 1000 feet in length within 20 years.

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A GROWING, WORKING PORT IS KEY TO OUR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY. THE SECOND BERTH WILL HELP US TO REALIZE MORE OF OUR POTENTIAL, AND ALLOW US TO SEIZE EVERY AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW THIS VITAL AREA OF THE ECONOMY.” CECIL CLARKE, MAYOR OF THE CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY

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The Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion will be upgraded, and there are plans to ensure the port can accommodate more commercial as well as tourism traffic, and will be equipped with refuelling capacity.

“The fact is, this is a public port, and dock availability has meant we have had to turn away business in the past,” says Usher. “The second berth will change that.”

Cecil Clarke, Mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, has been a strong proponent of the second berth and believes it is critical to the future of the island.

“A growing, working port is key to our economic prosperity,” says Clarke. “The second berth will help us to realize more of our potential, and allow us to seize every available opportunity to grow this vital area of the economy.”

For Dennis Campbell, CEO of Ambassatours Grey Line Limited, the announcement of the second berth spurred the company’s plans for a 10-year growth strategy for the island. At Sydney’s Port Days in May, Campbell outlined plans for a waterfront restaurant and gift shop complex to be developed over several years. He also has plans to transform a decommissioned ferry from Halifax/Dartmouth into a vessel ideally suited for charters catering to weddings, wine tastings, sightseeing and corporate events, to name just a few. He has already begun to expand operations in Sydney and has brought two Harbour Hoppers to the city, which will cater to both visitors and locals.

The vessels travel on both land and water and offer a unique opportunity to experience both the beauty and rich history of the harbour and surrounding area.

Also during Port Days, Sydney native Andrew Prossin unveiled plans to make Sydney the home port for his business, One Ocean Expeditions. Prossin says the announcement of the second berth cemented the choice, noting that the port is the perfect gateway for his business. He is currently the only operator to start and end voyages in Cape Breton, and plans to offer future cruises taking advantage of the island’s world class golf courses, as well as additional expeditions north.

New businesses have also opened, thanks to increased foot-traffic and the confidence the cruise industry has brought. The Chill Zone offers frozen treats to waterfront visitors, a couple from Ontario are peddling bike rentals, Fin and Feather is shelling out seafood and two unique gift shops welcomed visitors for the first time this season.

Fay Wambolt and Co-owner Catherine Butler, of Cape Breton Proud — Island Strong, are offering customers an authentic Cape Breton experience. They have brought together a range of artisans and locally produced retail products under one roof, along Sydney’s boardwalk. All products sold are original designs, with the story of the artist featured as part of the shopping experience.

They also have musicians performing on site and have brought their ‘tartan trailer’ in from time to time to round out the Cape

THE SECOND BERTH IS IMPORTANT. WE NEED TO TAKE CHANCES, WE HAVE TO BE BRAVE IF WE’RE GOING TO SUCCEED. IF WE BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME.” FAY WAMBOLDT, CO-OWNER, CAPE BRETON PROUD – ISLAND STRONG

Breton experience. They believe in the potential of the island, and the role tourism can play.

“The second berth is important. We need to take chances, we have to be brave if we’re going to succeed,” says Wambolt. “If we build it, they will come.”

Tonya Blackie, owner of Get Nauti, says her shop allows visitors to take a little piece of Cape Breton home with them.

“My shop is all things nautical, it represents what we are as an island,” says Blackie.

A native of Cape Breton, Blackie says it’s been a great first season, and believes tourism is the best hope for Cape Breton’s future.

She agrees the second berth is an opportunity that must be seized.

“Why wouldn’t we take the opportunity to increase tourism traffic? The second berth will have an amazing impact not only on my business, but those around the island.”

Existing businesses are benefitting as well, and not just in the Sydney area. The most popular excursions for cruise ship passengers include the Miners Museum, the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site, the Keltic Lodge, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, the Highland Village in Iona and the Mi’kmaq community of Eskasoni.

Rodney Chaisson, Director of Iona’s Highland Village, says that the cruise industry accounts for 25 per cent of annual revenues.

“The industry is vital to us,” says Chaisson.

“One of our excursions allows visitors to COVER STORY

experience two very unique cultures, starting with storytelling in Eskasoni, and a milling frolic here in Iona. The feedback has been great, visitors really love the experience.”

He also feels the second berth is vital to future growth.

“We need to be prepared for the future and can’t do that without the second berth,” says Chaisson.

Bruce Meloney, owner of the Shoe Tree, located in the heart of downtown Sydney, says the cruise ship industry has been wonderful for the area.

“With the increase in traffic, I’m anticipating a banner year,” says Meloney. “The second berth is going to be a great thing, and a real win for the Island. He points out that Cape Breton is considered a safe destination, a highly desirable aspect in any port of call given today’s global environment.

“It’s like anything, you have to go after the business, and when you do, you’re rewarded,” says Meloney.

Marlene Usher is also confident about the future. She believes the investment in the second berth tells the industry we’re serious about this business, and signals the value placed on it.

“We have an excellent product that’s recognized and respected by the industry,” says Usher. With the second berth, we’re doubling our capacity, and offering twice the appeal.”

In other words, this rising tide is ensuring our ships will come in.

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A PROUD MARITIME TRADITION

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Canada’s arctic gateway Port of Sydney and ideal spot for booming local cruise and expedition business

Local marine services company expands with second berth STORY MICHELE MCKINNON

F.K. Warren Limited has been around the port and back again a few times. It was founded by the Warren family of Halifax in 1896. The company opened branch offices across the Maritimes, including Port Hawkesbury in 1960 and now has offices across the country.

As a marine service agency, the company has been busy servicing nearly 900 ships annually, and has serviced 3,500 ships in the past five years. With a keen eye to the future, the company expects Sydney’s second cruise ship berth will attract more customers.

Company President, Colin Conrad, says the second berth is fantastic news for the Port of Sydney.

“We truly have reached our maximum capacity with the current infrastructure,” says Conrad. “With the growth in port traffic, we have had to limit arrival and departure windows on days with multiple cruise ships in port.

The second berth is going to ease that congestion.”

Conrad feels confident that business will increase with the improved infrastructure. He noted that the cruise ship business is growing each year, and points to the team approach that is taken by the industry in Atlantic Canada as a positive.

“It’s very important to work as a team. We go into meetings with the clear intent of promoting business in the region,” says Conrad.

Conrad believes that willingness to work together, and a firm belief in the port’s potential, sends the right signal to potential clients.

“It clearly says the Port of Sydney believes in its product,” says Conrad.

“With more options for services in port, who knows what partnerships may be possible in the future.”

CONTRIBUTED

STORY MICHELE MCKINNON

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oors are opening for the port of Sydney. It is poised to become Canada’s Arctic Gateway. With the construction of the second berth beginning this fall, changes are coming — along with a greater capacity to handle both cruise and commercial traffic — there are opportunities for new and expanded businesses. One of those businesses is One Ocean Expeditions.

One Ocean Expeditions uses large icestrengthened ships for Arctic and Antarctic ecotours and research expeditions. It was founded by Sydney native Andrew Prossin, who is also the Managing Director. It is the only line to start and end voyages in Cape Breton, and business is on the rise.

In late July, the company announced the expansion of its expedition cruise fleet with the addition of a new vessel, the RCGS Resolute, expected to arrive in Canada in 2018. The company also announced plans to make Sydney its home port, which could bring up to $12 million in direct and indirect spending to the area.

The company now spends nearly $6 million annually in Halifax to fuel and load provisions, and that number could double when Sydney becomes the home port.

“Sydney is the best spot to handle all the logistics to keep the ship running through the year,” says Prossin. “Everything the ships need, which includes fuel, food, furniture and maintenance could be sourced in Cape Breton.”

Prossin adds that he suspects other companies will take notice, and would also want to take advantage of the port’s strategic location.

“Sydney, as a gateway port, is actually the best suited for us,” says Prossin.

The second berth will enable ships to refuel while in port, opening the door for COVER STORY

others to use the port to provide a wide range of items needed for excursions north, and elsewhere.

“There are repairs that will be needed, cranes and operators required, hardware — all of it will be loaded, and if possible, sourced in Cape Breton. There will be small jobs, but there will be a lot of them,” says Prossin.

Local products are important to the company, and they use them as much as possible, and feature Nova Scotia wines as the house wine on many of the cruises.

“We will be looking to hire Cape Bretoners as bartenders, chefs, guides, and we will want more local musicians,” says Prossin.

Current cruises celebrate the Celtic traditions, music, and cuisine of the region, known as Canada’s East Coast Fins and Fiddles – a voyage that was named a Canadian Signature experience by Destination Canada. Three departures are planned for this year, and five for 2018, including one that provides access to the world-class golf courses on the island.

“It’s important to remember that 50 to 60 per cent of our clients are staying overnight, and not going straight to the airport once the cruise is over,” says Prossin. “They are renting cars, staying in hotels, and eating in local restaurants — it’s all important tourism revenue for the area, providing a significant economic impact.”

Prossin is optimistic about the future.

He feels the second berth is a very worthwhile investment, and would even welcome his competitors to use the Port as well.

“I see a very bright future in the Maritimes.

We have attractions that are second to none, like the wild horses of Sable Island, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful beaches and remote ports,” says Prossin. “With increased infrastructure, we can better position ourselves to really sell the jewels we are lucky enough to have on the East Coast.”

Big Spruce Brewing always has a large selection of their beer on tap for customers to enjoy on the tasting patio, on-site in Nyanza.

The craft brewing company that could Big Spruce Brewing has business booming in Nyanza, creating brews and customer experiences CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

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y just about any measure, Big Spruce Brewing is the definition of success.

In just four years, they have tripled their production capability, increased their staff from three to 13, continued to develop and grow their in-demand product line and built a reputation for quality, local craft beer.

“We definitely struck a chord with Nova Scotians in general because we were different — certified organic, on-farm, from Cape Breton — and that resonated,” says Jeremy White, owner of Big Spruce Brewing. “We, in very short order, were doing the kind of production volumes we thought would take three to five years to get to.”

That fast growth eventually made it clear that an expansion was needed, and with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, New Dawn Enterprises and Business Development Bank Canada (BDC), they started clearing land for a new brew facility in the summer of 2016. The framework of the building went up last fall across the road from their first smaller brewery and company

headquarters. The winter was spent finishing off the interior of the structure and installing equipment, and they brewed their first batch of beer in the new facility in early April.

The 5,500 square-foot facility, which also includes a 1,400 square-foot second-floor mezzanine, houses a 20-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse. This now allows Big Spruce to produce up to 40 barrels, or 4,800 litres, of beer in a day.

“This is providing a significant increase in production, and by significant I mean a factor of three times what we were able to do in our first, very small building,” he said.

“It’s also allowing packaging in a better to-go format — a 473 millilitre can.”

Having canning equipment has allowed Big Spruce to take an important step forward — their products made their debut at approximately 40 Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) outlets earlier this year and demand has been high.

Big Spruce beer is also available in many restaurants and pubs across the region, at the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market; and of course, at their base of operations in Nyanza where customers can buy by the yapper or growler, or enjoy by the sampler size on the popular patio deck, which is often filled with people enjoying CRAFT BREWING

a brew while listening to local musicians.

Big Spruce’s two flagship beers are Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout and Kitchen Party Pale Ale, and two more have been added to the year-round lineup — Ready Yer Knot…

Regatta Red Irish Red Ale, and Bitter Get’er India Black IPA. They are also constantly producing single or limited batches of oneoff or seasonal beers.

Reflecting on the company’s growth, growing pains, and successes, White said the dedication of staff — from sales to bookkeeping, production to delivery — has been a constant.

“They’re the biggest part (of our success),” he said. “Sure, it’s incredible that we’ve built a building and filled it with all sorts of equipment, but you can’t make any beer unless you have a lot of support staff. We’ve been very fortunate to find incredible people who are not only attitude-wise built for this kind of business, but open to training and all the things that needed to occur for them to be really effective.”

And from the beginning they have tapped into the pride of being from Cape Breton and producing a Cape Breton product.

“The fact that we ran a little seven-barrel facility with a walk-in, buy your beer right

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WE DEFINITELY STRUCK A CHORD WITH NOVA SCOTIANS IN GENERAL BECAUSE WE WERE DIFFERENT — CERTIFIED ORGANIC, ON-FARM, FROM CAPE BRETON — AND THAT RESONATED.” JEREMY WHITE, OWNER, BIG SPRUCE BREWING

on the beer floor right out of the gate … (and customers could) talk to the people making their beer, and watch us work hard for the stuff we’re making for them — I think that really resonated and that’s been a huge part of why we’re well accepted,” said White.

While it’s a constant challenge to find the right pace at which to grow, White is excited about the year ahead, noting their focus will be on celebrating what’s unique about Big Spruce.

“I see us more voraciously defending our position that you don’t need to advertise and market the living daylights out of a product in order to sell it. Creating something of unique quality from an on-farm facility, in a rural part of Cape Breton, with a fantastic water supply is going to be our defining edge over any other beer in the province, and we’re going to make sure through the distribution of our beer that people are acutely aware of that,” he said. “And we’re going to do it in a ‘come-try-it, enjoy it and have fun’ sort of way, so look for an uptick in experiential events that we’re going to be associated with, and new experiential beers too.”

With Big Spruce now producing 400,000 litres of beer per year, White is excited by the growth in the craft beer market in Nova Scotia and welcomes the new breweries coming on stream.

CONTRIBUTED

The floor of the new 5,500 square-foot brewhouse is a beehive of activity, as staff work to keep up with demand for Big Spruce Brewing products.

PHOTO COREY KATZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeremy White shows off Big Spruce Growlers available for purchase at their facility in Nyanza.

CRAFT BREWING SECTION TITLE

One of the Fortress of Louisbourg actors stands guard at the site’s main gate.

It’s a party and everyone is invited

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Parks Canada Cape Breton celebrates Canada 150 CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

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t’s not too often that 36 million people get added to the VIP list for a party, but when it’s Canada’s 150th, nothing is off limits.

Since the beginning of the year, Canadians have been preparing to celebrate our nation’s historic anniversary with their family, friends, and neighbours. Whether they have lived here since time immemorial — for generations — or have recently immigrated to Canada, everyone is invited to celebrate what makes our great nation unique and to wear the maple leaf with pride.

As part of the national celebration, the federal government invited all Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our unique history with free admission to Parks Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. The free Discovery Passes encourage people to explore meet fellow Canadians from all walks of life in every province and territory in Canada.

“To date, Parks Canada has distributed over six million Discovery Passes and we have seen a 12 per cent increase in numbers across the country,” said Blair Pardy, Field Unit Superintendent with Parks Canada.

“Just in Cape Breton, we have experienced a 9 per cent increase in visitors to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a 34 per cent increase to the Alexander Graham

Bell National Historic Site, and a 44 per cent increase to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.”

As a result of the Discovery Pass, Parks Canada has welcomed more Canadian visitors who chose 2017 as the year to connect or reconnect with their country’s heritage. This year, visitors are primarily from Ontario, Quebec and other parts of Atlantic Canada. However, there has also been huge numbers of Americans travelling from the eastern parts of the United States to Cape Breton, as well as visitors from England, Germany and France.

Visitors have been able to partake in authentic cultural experiences, camp in oTENTiks in the park, take in the breathtaking views on the Skyline Trail and depending on the day, they may even see a moose on the Cabot Trail.

As the 2017 season starts to come to a close, Blair and his team are already looking ahead to see what next year will bring.

“As we turn our focus to next year, we will continue to do what we do best — offer innovative and authentic programs and experiences that connect with the hearts and minds of Canadians,” said Pardy.

Parks Canada will also work alongside Destination Cape Breton and Tourism Nova Scotia to reach new markets and encourage those who visited this year to come again in 2018.

“It’s these vital partners that will help us connect with more Canadians and deliver exceptional programs,” said Pardy. “We owe PARKS CANADA

a big thank you to our Mi’kmaq partners, Destination Cape Breton, Tourism Nova Scotia, our Parks Canada co-operating associations, the Cape Breton Partnership, local municipalities, as well as other community and corporate collaborations. These relationships are a key factor in our ongoing success as we approach 2018 and beyond.”

With such an increase in visitor traffic, investments in infrastructure are valuable components of Parks Canada’s sustainable future. The upgrades are a part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented $3 billion investment over five years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada.

These investments represent the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada.

“Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s new bridges and culverts have added environmental improvements for aquatic habitat.

The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site’s building optimization allows Parks Canada to reduce our ecological footprint, while making better use of underutilized buildings. Window repairs at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site make the views across the Bras d’Or Lakes even more stunning,” said Pardy. “Not to mention, the road realignment and paving work along the world famous Cabot Trail in the park will make the scenic drive more enjoyable for visitors and locals alike.

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Blair Pardy, Field Unit Superintendent at Parks Canada, Cape Breton.

WE ARE PLEASED THAT ALL OF OUR PLANNING, PREPARATIONS AND NEW MEASURES FOR 2017 ARE PAYING OFF, AND THAT MORE CANADIANS THAN EVER ARE HAVING AMAZING EXPERIENCES AT PARKS CANADA PLACES.” BLAIR PARDY, FIELD UNIT SUPERINTENDENT, PARKS CANADA, CAPE BRETON

Parks Canada is Canada’s largest provider of historic and natural heritage tourism.

Not only do these sites provide activities for visitors, but they preserve our nation’s rich culture and history.

“We are pleased that all of our planning, preparations and new measures for 2017

are paying off, and that more Canadians than ever are having amazing experiences at Parks Canada places,” said Pardy. “It’s been a remarkable year and we enjoy having the opportunity to connect with more visitors through our programs and guided walks, on the road, during special events, and in our

campgrounds.” With a banner year at Parks Canada sites in Cape Breton, it also means a successful year for the local tourism industry, including accommodations and restaurants and the year isn’t over yet. There is still time STEVE WADDEN to explore Cape Breton. KeepPHOTO the momentum going by discovering the hidden gems in our own backyard this fall. Experience the iconic fall colours by hiking the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail, fly and kite at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, or to watch the sunrise at Broad Cove Mountain in the Highlands.

Now — who’s ready to order their 2018 Discovery Pass?

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ELEVATE

Adam Mugridge, Species Development Biologist with Louisbourg Seafoods, leads the company’s research and development team.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Bringing innovation to shore Louisbourg Seafoods uses new tools and techniques to create a more sustainable fishing industry.

CONTRIBUTED BY Louisbourg Seafoods

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n Aug. 9, 2017, CBU Chancellor Annette Verschuren, and Member of Parliament Rodger Cuzner, announced more than $1 million for innovative projects in the Cape Breton seafood and agri-food sectors.

Louisbourg Seafoods received a $292,000 loan to implement a filtering system at its Northsyde Processing facility. This system will allow for the removal of shells and other by-products from the waste stream to create value products for resale that are normally discharged into the ocean.

Louisbourg Seafoods understands the incredible importance of the oceans, and not just for the commodity resource it holds.

The ocean is a source of life, not just for the creatures that live in it, but it also feeds and provides employment to countless populations around the world. With these values in

mind, Louisbourg Seafoods’ staff members have been providing input for the company on how best to invest research dollars. One of the main goals is that the utmost attention be paid during every step of the value chain, from harvesting to consumption. In order to do this, the company believes it must include a high level of re-education, training, IT and scientific research into key areas.

Led by marine biologist, Adam Mugridge, the team explores underutilized species, such as whelk and sea cucumber, to ensure that the biomass of that species in a particular area is sustainable for harvesting by monitoring variables such as catch rate and size. This is where the use of IT aimed at oceans comes into play.

Louisbourg Seafoods has developed its own monitoring system using Google Earth to track catch rates and monitor the biomass.

Louisbourg Seafoods sees many ways in which these new technologies, even ones that wouldn’t necessarily bring to mind the ocean at first glance, can be put to use in their business — technologies relative to LOUISBOURG SEAFOODS

visualization, simulation, and virtual reality.

Virtual reality is defined as computergenerated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with, in a seemingly real or physical way by, a person using special electronic equipment.

In their business, Louisbourg Seafoods sees the potential of virtual reality in terms of the education and training of its workforce.

It’s not just about its workforce, but also the general public. There is a huge educational component to be explored in these areas. It is the desire of Louisbourg Seafoods to lead young workers to see the ocean as a viable career choice once again. This means getting into schools as early as the elementary grades, and following through to postsecondary, in order to foster this idea.

“This is not solely a traditional industry anymore,” says Jenna Lahey, Marketing Manager for Louisbourg Seafoods. “It’s growing and expanding in new ways every day, and we need to help people realize that the ocean is a valid and stable career choice.”

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THIS IS NOT JUST A TRADITIONAL INDUSTRY ANYMORE, IT’S GROWING AND EXPANDING IN NEW WAYS EVERY DAY, AND WE NEED TO HELP PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THE OCEAN IS A VALID CAREER CHOICE ONCE AGAIN.” JENNA LAHEY, MARKETING MANAGER, LOUISBOURG SEAFOODS

Technology is a way to garner the interest of these younger workers, showing them that the ocean industry is not just about harvesting and processing fish.

New technologies such as 360-degree cameras and underwater drones are other areas the company feels there is much exploration to be done, in relation to sustainability. They foresee the ability to use these technologies to monitor harvesting and calculate the impact on the ecosystems in the areas in which they fish. This data is incredibly important to monitor, and though the information they collect is already being shared with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, they want to expand the reach of that information. Louisbourg Seafoods wants to see this data shared with all of their colleagues on the ocean — from fisheries to oil and gas, the military, and everything in between. The creation and distribution of this type of data, through such means as data warehouses and clouds, would benefit all industries greatly.

Louisbourg Seafoods believes that in order to achieve this, there must be the highest level of IT, tech innovation, and startup innovation to develop programs that could be sold pan-Canada or internationally as revenue generators. These startups must be done through matchmaking with companies that can assist young entrepreneurs over a period of three years. These new IT/tech systems will bring the food industry, not only a sense of security, but also immediate information for niche-focused markets.

The company has confidence that with approximately 32 free trade agreements in place, massive numbers in buying power will be created, so much so that there will be no need for any SME in the Atlantic provinces, but particularly the Maritime provinces, to compete against one another for sales-window opportunities. There exists the opportunity for small cluster groups to work together in a unique safe-food brand. This is one of the reasons why the company is initiating the eventual opening of a Cape Breton trade office where SMEs can go and learn about the documentation (such as certifications,

CONTRIBUTED

(From Left) Adam Mugridge, Species Development Biologist with Louisbourg Seafoods; MP Rodger Cuzner; Dr. Beth Mason, Interim CEO of the Verschuren Centre; Dr. Dale Keefe, Interim President & Vice-Chancellor / Professor of Chemistry at Cape Breton University; Annette Verschuren, Chancellor of Cape Breton University and Chair & CEO of NRStor Inc.; and Jimmy Kennedy, Co-owner and Co-founder of Louisbourg Seafoods stop for a photo after their recent funding announcement.

PHOTO STEVE WADDEN

Louisbourg Seafoods believes innovation plays a key role in their company’s success.

Staff are able to provide input on how Louisbourg Seafoods invests their research dollars.

labelling or country of origin) required and become more at ease at trading within the parameters of these agreements. This can be used to promote Canada, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton. This trade office would not just focus on food, but the educational expertise, tourism and IT that Cape Breton has to offer.

Louisbourg Seafoods says they strongly “believe that this must be done with Industry leading and all these outstanding departments assisting from a central point that will benefit the SMEs through cluster-effect marketing and sales and food facility product development,” says Dannie Hanson, Vice President of LOUISBOURG SEAFOODS

Sustainability for Louisbourg Seafoods.

Louisbourg Seafoods wants to see continued investment by the government into traditional, resource sectors — others disagree and think the investments should go to IT and startups. What this company hopes to see is that there is a place for both, a melding of the two which can take place, which would be equally beneficial for both sides. The ocean industry is not just a commodity industry anymore and it will take working together with many other industries to ensure that it is able to reach its fullest potential.

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ELEVATE

News from the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network

Internet upgrades improve service for hundreds CONTRIBUTED BY the Cape Breton Partnership

There’s something new dotting the skyline in Skye Glen.

A tower to improve highspeed internet access was erected in the community over the summer, meaning area residents and businesses are now enjoying an increase in bandwidth — up to an estimated 10 Mbps (megabits per second), from 1.5 Mbps previously.

In March, the Cape Breton Partnership, through the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, received $54,128 in provincial funding for a project aimed at improving high-speed internet access in the communities of Centreville, Nevada Valley, Brook Village, East Skye Glen, Skye Glen and Stewartdale.

Seaside Wireless

Communications carried out the project, and they own and are responsible for the management and maintenance of all equipment associated with the upgrade. Seaside completed public consultation on June 8, the tower was erected on June 30, grid power was installed by Nova Scotia Power on July 22, and the rigging and commissioning of radio equipment for the tower was completed in August.

An estimated 400 residents in 50 households are expected to benefit from the improved service, as will nine farms and a community hall in the area.

The Skye Glen project was one of 22 across Nova Scotia that received funding from the province through the Municipal and Community Rural High-Speed Internet Funding Program, which was launched last year.

CBREN adds several new office locations CONTRIBUTED BY the Cape Breton Partnership

NEW OFFICE LOCATIONS:

Over the last few months, the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network has added three new office locations.

The CBREN, which is administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, now has office locations in Bay St. Lawrence, Ingonish and Strathlorne. These offices are in addition to existing offices in Baddeck, Port Hood, St. Peter’s and Arichat.

While not all offices are staffed on a full-time basis, they serve as an important base for staff to work out of these communities on a regular basis.

“We want to have a presence in all corners of the CBREN region and this moves us closer to that goal,” said Keith MacDonald, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership.

“It’s important our staff is connecting with the business community where they are based.”

The new office in Strathlorne is located at the Inverness County Public Works Building, at 15109 Highway 19, in Strathlorne. It is home base for the economic development officer for Inverness, as well as Kailea Pedley, co-ordinator of the Cape Breton Local

Strathlorne:

CAPE BRETON REGIONAL ENTERPRISE NETWORK

15109 Highway 19 Strathlorne, NS B0E 1N0

Bay St. Lawrence: 3160 Bay St. Lawrence Road Bay St Lawrence, NS B0C 1R0

Ingonish: 36243 Cabot Trail Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0

Immigration Partnership (LIP) program, which is being administered through the Cape Breton Partnership.

In Bay St. Lawrence, the new office has been set up at the Bay St. Lawrence Community Centre, located at 3160 Bay St. Lawrence Rd. The centre is home to a number of community services and programs.

The CBREN also now has an official location in Ingonish.

Located at 36243 Cabot Trail, the office is in the same building as the Victoria North Regional Library Branch, and the Community Learning Association — North of Smokey location.

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Partnership Update: Keith MacDonald, Cape Breton Partnership President and CEO, says 2017 has been a good year for the Cape Breton Partnership, and looks forward to more growth.

PHOTO NEIL GASCOYNE, VIBE CREATIVE GROUP

READY, SET, GROW: Promoting sustainability for Cape Breton CONTRIBUTED BY Cape Breton Partnership

O

ver the last decade, the Cape Breton Partnership has focused its efforts on addressing the needs of the local business community to bring long-term sustainability and growth to Cape Breton Island.

Since 2004, the Partnership has been collaborating with the private sector by hosting events such as the Investor Summit, facilitating projects such as the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, sharing success stories with Elevate Magazine, and building Cape Breton’s economic growth strategy by introducing the Prosperity Framework. The Partnership continues to advocate for its investors through all of these initiatives, and by addressing barriers to business in order to change attitudes that will positively impact Cape Breton’s business climate.

Along this journey towards prosperity, there have been many changes in the landscape of Cape Breton’s economic future.

Through the leadership of the Board of Directors, the Partnership has remained consistent in its vision of success for the region. As the Partnership’s portfolio continues to expand and new relationships are formed, the organization felt it was time for a new brand that better reflects the Partnership’s identity.

“It is our hope as an organization that our investors will embrace our new look, and be ready to work with us as we take on new challenges that will put Cape Breton on the mind of decision makers, and entrepreneurs looking for a new place to start their business,” says Cape Breton Partnership President and CEO, Keith MacDonald.

To go along with the new look, the Partnership also recently moved their office locations in both Sydney and Port Hawkesbury. The Sydney office is now at PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

285 Alexandra St., and has more space to accommodate the organization’s growing staff and technology needs. The Partnership has joined the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, NSBI, ACOA, and the Eastern Strait Regional Enterprise Network in the new Business Hub office at 609 Church St., suite 101, in Port Hawkesbury.

“We now have the space to match the progressive changes happening within the Partnership,” says MacDonald. “It has been a good year so far, and we look to take that same energy and drive as we move forward with our private and public sector partners.”

Three new projects have been added to the Partnership’s roster, all of which fall under the umbrella of immigration.

“The Ivany Report outlined the importance of immigration and how it is necessary for Nova Scotians to embrace newcomers,” says MacDonald. “The Partnership wanted to be involved in advancing that goal because immigrants bring new talents and ideas that are vital to the sustainability of our province.”

The Local Immigration Partnership works with the local community to help create a more welcoming environment for newcomers and their families. An inclusive community that celebrates diversity is an important attraction tool that will help make Cape Breton a destination of choice for newcomers to Canada. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot focuses on the employment side of things, and helps employers bridge gaps in the labour market, by attracting skilled workers to Cape Breton.

The Connector Program matches community and business leaders with immigrants, international and local graduates in their industry of expertise. It is a simple, but effective, networking program that connects driven individuals with industry leaders who can help facilitate the growth of their careers here in Cape Breton.

“You’ll be hearing lots more about these new initiatives in the coming months through information sessions, networking events, and updates on our website.

Program coordinators will be out in the community, meeting business owners and employees, to facilitate connections and to help build relationships for newcomers,” says MacDonald.

Going forward, the Partnership will keep you updated on all of the new and exciting things happening in Cape Breton with their new website. Be sure to check www. capebretonpartnership.com for the latest news related to economic development on Cape Breton Island.

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