PORT HAWKESBURY: A local facility looking to grow received some help from the federal government last week.
On March 2, Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner visited the Regional Occupation Centre in Port Hawkesbury to announce $500,000 in federal funds for a renovation and expansion to the local facility. The money will go towards a new roof, a wheelchair ramp, flooring throughout the main level, new windows, and kitchen upgrades. The expansion will also allow for a used clothing store and rental space.
Cuzner, who made the announcement on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), said the ROC means a lot to the community.
“This is a very special place,” said Cuzner. “They’ve done an incredible job over the years. This investment today will allow them to enhance what they’re already doing but also [provide] other opportunities.”
Cuzner said the funding for the project makes sense for the federal government.
“It’s an investment in a group that continues to do things for really good people,” he said. “We’re happy we were able to make that investment today and we know it’s going to pay dividends for the entire community.”
Diana Poirier, executive director of the ROC society, said the expansion will include adding 3,400 square feet to the facility. When asked why the society wanted to add the used clothing store to the ROC, Poirier said it is a social enterprise “that really can belong fully to the members.” She said the tenders for the work were set to close on March 6.
“We’re looking for an April 1 start and November 1 to be finished,” she said, noting the society also applied for municipal funding. “We’ll also be launching a public campaign very shortly.”
Cape Breton-Richmond MLA Michel Samson said funding from the province for the project is a part of the province’s overall budget talks.
“We’re reviewing the application now with a couple of departments looking at it,” said Samson.
“We expect to have a final decision on this shortly. The province certainly sees the value of this project. We certainly see the value in this, the importance to the clients throughout the Strait area and we want to be a part of its success.”