Iona, N.S. – November 4, 2002 – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding, under the Business Development Program (BDP), to the Iona Connection Co-operative Limited of Iona.

To help provide visitors to Cape Breton with accurate information about the Island’s heritage resources, the Iona Connection Co-operative has received financial assistance to offset the costs of producing a new and revised edition of their Heritage Locator Map. The map will not only highlight resources and the routes to take, it will be used as a marketing tool to increase museum visitation.

“Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of our Island and the heritage and culture of the area is a major attraction,” said Mark Eyking, M.P. for Sydney-Victoria, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “The Heritage Locator Map informs our visitors of the multitude of attractions we have to offer for a unique historical tour and encourages them to extend their stay in Cape Breton, thus providing economic benefits to local communities.”

“Iona Connection Co-operative is an island-wide network of community museums and heritage resources, both seasonal and year-round, throughout Cape Breton Island,” said Nancy More, past-president of the Co-operative. “With increased visibility and the simplicity of this effective tourism piece, we will help lengthen the operating season of some of our museums, which will assist to increase revenues.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $7,790. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation has contributed $5,840 through ACOA’s Business Development Program

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 Federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.