INVERNESS: Warm smiles and friendly greetings marked the grand opening of the Inverness Community Leadership Centre (ICLC) Phase I and thirty-fifth anniversary of Mill Road Social Enterprises (MRSE).
“We’re proud of what we achieved here, and we’re also thankful for the faithful and generous support we’ve received from our communities and friends,” said Donna MacLean, president of the MRSE Board of Directors.
The grand opening took place on October 20 and was attended by well over 100 locals and supporters.
“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here. We’ve had 35 years as the Inverness Cottage Workshop, and we’re looking forward to another 35 as Mill Road Social Enterprises.”
As she indicated, Mill Road Social Enterprises is the new name of what was historically called the Inverness Cottage Workshop.
With the new name comes a new location, and it was from the steps of that new location that MacLean was speaking. MRSE moved to the centre last July. Prior to that, the Cottage Workshop was housed on Beach Road.
The new location – far more spacious and bright than the Beach Road facility — is the former coal mine pay office and once served as The Hoff bar.
“This is the result of hard work by a number of people, with a sprinkling of luck for good measure,” said Cindy O’Neill, MRSE executive director.
Having the centre officially open is only one phase of the overall project. Phase 2 will see the Inverness Early Years Co-op also move into the facility. The co-op will operate its family drop-in centre and regulated childcare out of the building.
In 2011, MRSE entered a partnership with the Early Years Co-op to focus their energies and resources toward a shared facility. It was decided to use a new facility, as parking and space was an issue at the Cottage Workshop’s old building. Not long after the partnership was struck, the Hoff building went up for sale.
Funding came from the Department of Community Services, and the Municipality of the County of Inverness kicked in a substantial contribution. The federal government contributed through the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the province also put some money down. Individuals also contributed, in addition to businesses and organizations.
Inverness’ 2015 Chase the Ace draw, a shared fundraiser between MRSE and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132, was a major help in making the centre a reality. The event saw Donelda MacAskill of Englishtown win $1.7 million, while MRSE and the legion benefited hugely in terms of fundraising.
“Was it divine intervention, luck, or just something that was meant to be?” said O’Neill. “That was what happened to us with Chase the Ace.”
The volunteer effort that went into the fundraiser wasn’t lost on O’Neill and her group.
“From the bottom of all our hearts, thank you for all you’ve done to help us,” she said.
Representing the Early Years Co-op at the grand opening was Inverness-area councillor Jim Mustard. He added that Chase the Ace was a major help in having the centre realized.
“When it was all done, here we were sitting on this wonderful contribution by the community,” Mustard said. “Our team of Archibald Fraser, the architects, DORA Construction, and Jackie Miller transformed this amazing heritage building in the centre of our community for all of us.
“That’s why we’re able to welcome all of you here today.”
