BY STAFF, TRANSCONTINENTAL MEDIA The Nova Scotia Business Journal 

PORT HAWKESBURY — Premier Rodney MacDonald announced a $500,000 contribution to a waterfront development project on Friday. The Strait Area Waterfront Development Society is planning to build Ship Harbour Place, an entertainment, education and marina venue.

“Gathering places like Ship Harbour Place keep communities active and vital, and keep residents healthy,” MacDonald said. “I am confident the new facility will quickly become a centre of community activity, providing opportunities for recreation, education and culture.”

Ship Harbour Place will house the Port Hawkesbury marina services, offer courses, provide retail space, and host cultural, entertainment events and meetings. It will replace the Creamery, which was formerly used for similar purposes but has been leased to a local company.

“We’re very pleased to have the support of the province and thankful they also believe in the valuable contribution that a dynamic waterfront provides to the town of Port Hawkesbury,” said Blaine MacQuarrie, chair of the Waterfront Development Society ceilidh committee. “This support, along with the previous support from the federal government will serve only to boost the health, well-being and cultural richness of our area for years to come.”

The premier also acknowledged the valuable contributions made by the many volunteers who assist the waterfront society with the presentation of their cultural programs.

Initial cost estimates put the Ship Harbour Place project at between $1.3 million and $2 million, so the project has been scaled back. The Strait Area Waterfront Development Society said in December it is now proposing a 7,500-square-foot building that will blend in with the boardwalk. - The Cape Breton Post

07/04/08