MEMBERTOU, NS, June 28,
2024 /CNW/ - Today, Membertou First Nation and
Indigenous Services Canada announced the construction of a new gas
bar and a mass timber office building at the Seventh Exchange
retail district. Chief Terrance Paul
was joined for the announcement by Jaime
Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney–Victoria, and
Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament
for Cape Breton–Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu,
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada.
The construction of the retail commercial space includes a
restaurant, convenience store, gas bar, and car wash. This
construction will provide easier access to services along with
continuing the economic growth of the community.
In addition to this, a new 91,875 square foot office space is
being constructed out of mass timber as opposed to traditional
concrete and steel. Mass timber is an umbrella category of
materials made by binding layers of wood together to create larger,
stronger elements like panels and beams. Proponents say it's faster
and easier to work with than concrete and steel, and less carbon
intensive. The new five-storey building will provide affordable,
greener office space for local organizations and businesses in the
area.
Working in partnership with Membertou First Nation, over
$1.8 million in funding was invested
in these two projects through Indigenous Services Canada's
Community Opportunity Readiness Program, which provides
project-based funding for a range of activities to support
communities' pursuit of economic opportunities.
Quotes
"We're incredibly proud to announce a funding partnership with
our federal partners for the development of Seventh Exchange,
Membertou's new retail district.
Thanks to this support, totaling $1.8
million, we will bring new opportunities to our people, and
provide new services for the greater Cape
Breton community."
Chief Terry Paul
Chief & CEO, Membertou First Nation
"This project has been led by the Membertou First Nation
community, and is made possible because of its leadership. It will
create good-paying jobs and new economic opportunities for its
members. While a lot more work still has to be done, this is
another step toward everyone having a fair chance to participate in
the economy."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
"I am proud to join Chief Terry
Paul and Membertou First Nation to announce the construction
of the timber office building and the gas bar at the Seventh
Exchange retail district. It sets the stage for commercial
development and economic benefits for the community and the region,
including job creation, something that has never been more
important. Our government recognizes the importance of local
investments in Cape Breton–Canso and across the country."
Mike Kelloway
Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso
"It is always exciting to see a community-led project that will
help foster economic growth, while also adding service convenience
and employment opportunities for the community and neighbouring
area. The gas bar and the mass timber office building will
contribute to the growth of Membertou First Nation and Seventh
Exchange as a business centre while creating jobs and building
economic opportunities for the community. Investing in projects
like this is part of our commitment to supporting Indigenous
community businesses to maximize opportunities for success."
Jaime Battiste
Member of Parliament for Sydney–Victoria and Parliamentary
Secretary of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- Membertou First Nation is one of five Mi'kmaw communities in
Unama'ki (Cape Breton) and one of
thirteen Mi'kmaw communities within the Province of Nova Scotia. It has a total registered
population of 1,695 people, with approximately 937 people living on
the reserve.
- Membertou is an urban First
Nation community located in the heart of the city of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Seventh Exchange is
Membertou's retail district
located off of exit 7A of Trans Canada Highway 125.
- Indigenous Service Canada is providing $1,000,000 to support the construction of the gas
bar and is contributing $811,328 in
funding for the mass timber office building.
- The gas bar is expected to be completed in 2024 and the office
building is slated for completion in 2025.
- The Community Opportunity Readiness Program provides
project-based funding to First Nations and Inuit communities for a
range of activities to support the pursuit of economic
opportunities, including projects such as feasibility studies,
business plans, the establishment of community-owned businesses,
and the construction of economic infrastructure.
Associated links
- Membertou First Nation
- Membertou Corporate Division
- Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP)
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada