An important tribute to the coal mining legacy in Nova Scotia will be preserved through an investment announced by Premier Stephen McNeil today, Jan. 24.
The province, along with its federal and municipal partners, will invest more than $1.5 million dollars to repair and modernize the Miners Museum in Glace Bay to help attract more visitors to the community.
Premier McNeil was joined by Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan, Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke, and community supporters at the Miners Museum to announce funding for two projects in the Glace Bay area.
“The hard work and rich history miners have brought to this province, and this community, is something all Nova Scotians respect, and this museum honours their tremendous contribution,” said Premier McNeil. “The museum will continue to be an important economic driver for the area and allow visitors to experience life as an underground coal miner.”
The museum’s current building will undergo energy upgrades, along with a new roof, doors, windows, lighting, brick walls and ventilation systems. The project will also include a planning study for interactive and interior spaces which will address the need to incorporate enhanced electronic displays.
The province is contributing $537,500 through Communities, Culture and Heritage which is matched by the federal government through the ACOA Innovative Communities Fund. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is contributing $487,500.
Also announced was an investment of more than $330,000 in upgrades to the South Street recreation complex, also known as the Glace Bay Commons, which includes a baseball field, a club house and a walking area. The work will include improvements to a fenced area, the installation of new lighting for the walking track, and the addition of a splash pad and baseball-themed playground equipment.
“These projects are a shining example of the outcomes we can achieve when we combine our resources and collaborate to improve the places in which we live, work and play,” said Mr. Cuzner. “Renovations to the Miners Museum will ensure that our coal mining history is honoured and remains intact for visitors and residents to explore and enjoy.
“Upgrades to the Glace Bay Commons will provide recreational opportunities to be enjoyed for many years to come.”
For the commons project the federal government is making a $100,500 non-repayable contribution through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Nova Scotia Communities, Culture and Heritage is contributing $100,000 from the province. The municipality is investing more than $133,000 and the Glace Bay Community Commons Society has raised $40,000 through community fundraising efforts.
“We are pleased to be able to participate, with our federal and provincial partners, in these important investments for the benefit of Glace Bay residents and our tourism industry,” said Mayor Clarke.
Source: Release