June 12, 2019 - North Sydney, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Investing in infrastructure better positions rural communities to host tourism events, contributes to their overall economic success and enhances the quality of life for residents. Every summer, the Northern Yacht Club attracts boaters from all over the world to Cape Breton who buy products and services, visit area attractions and inject money into the local economy. To draw even more visitors to the region, the Club is expanding its services to attract superyachts, a new and lucrative segment of the tourism market of vessels that are 100 feet or longer.
The Northern Yacht Club is adding 3-phase power to its dock, which will allow captains of superyachts to turn off their diesel engines, enabling members of the crew to leave the vessel and visit the area. It is also safer for the environment and more cost efficient. New water and navigational lights and an updated pump-out station will also help attract and better service these types of vessels. Furthermore, the Club is upgrading its website to improve marketing to superyacht clients.
Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced federal support for this project on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting tourism-based initiatives and bringing in more international visitors to Canada. It is investing in tourism infrastructure to create middle class jobs, grow Canada's economy, and bring new opportunities and pride to communities looking for a chance to show the world what they have.
"Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today's investment in the Northern Yacht Club is building on our competitive advantages by enhancing the overall tourism offerings in the region, which will help boost economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for Canadians."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"As a visitor to the Northern Yacht Club for more than 50 years, I see firsthand how it has evolved not only as a gathering place for the community, but also in accommodating visitors and boats from around the world. I am very proud that our government is investing in the Club for its next milestone, which will attract new visitors in an environmentally-friendly way."
- Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Last season we welcomed four visiting superyachts from the United States. Our visitors were very appreciative of the hospitality extended by the yacht club and the people of Cape Breton. The infrastructure provided in this project will allow us to provide better services which will increase the likelihood of having them return and ultimately entice other such clients to visit our beautiful island."
- John Astephen, Commodore, Northern Yacht Club
Quick facts
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Yachts and superyachts look for destinations with solid, safe and secure docks, access to robust power as well as shore-side services for maintenance and leisure activities.
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The Northern Yacht Club's close proximity to Sydney, the regional airport, highways and well-known tourist destinations such the Cabot Trail and the Bras d'Or Lake, make it an attractive destination to seafaring visitors.
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The Government of Canada invested $34,177 in this project through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
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The ICF focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities.
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The ICF continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
