ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY
Energy efficiency upgrades underway at Gaelic College

Cape Breton Island is focused on preserving and promoting its unique Highland history and heritage, and keeping the culture alive for residents and visitors. The Government of Canada is investing in improvements to the Gaelic College campus in St. Anns. 

On June 10, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced a non-repayable contribution of $300,000 to the non-profit Gaelic College Foundation to complete energy efficiency upgrades at the Gaelic College. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

Improvements include the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and a new steel roof on the campus' main buidling. These upgrades will help the college become more cost effective and environmentally sustainable, strengthening its position as a learning, tourism and community hub for year-round activities.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that help build deeper connections to the region's unique cultural offerings, and contribute to a strong, sustainable future. 

"Atlantic Canada has a wealth of cultures and languages that offer visitors an experience like no other. Projects like this one with the Gaelic College Foundation help preserve and promote the region's unique Highland heritage and traditions so they can continue to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike."

- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

"The Gaelic College is the heart of Highland heritage and the Gaelic language in Cape Breton. Today's announcement will help the college operate in a more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective manner so it can continue educating and entertaining locals and drawing tourists to the area to experience some of the flavour that makes our region unique."

- Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria

"Today's announcement will enable us to continue to make much needed improvements to our site. Strategic infrastructure investments such as those announced today are important for our cultural organizations. We welcome this good news from ACOA."

- The Honourable Rodney MacDonald, President, Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College

• Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College is the only Gaelic College of its kind in North America and is an important cultural centre for authentic Gaelic cultural experiences and education.
• Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College offers year-round programming in the culture, music, language, crafts, customs, and traditions of immigrants from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
• It is estimated that there are around 2,000 Gaelic Speakers in Nova Scotia today. 
• The funding announced is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
• The ICF builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Associated links

• Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College