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  • MIL-OSI Translation: More Stay and Entertainment Opportunities in Ingonish

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    Support for four Cape Breton businesses enhances visitor experience year-round

    September 27, 2024 Ingonish, Nova Scotia Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, stimulating the local economy, creating jobs and strengthening communities. Tourism also helps preserve, promote and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage, fostering awareness and knowledge of the many peoples who call the region home. The Government of Canada is investing to help four tourism operators in Ingonish expand their winter offerings, extending the region’s tourism season.

    Winter Escape to Cape Breton

    Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, today announced a total investment of $1,262,165 to support tourism growth in Ingonish. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    This investment will help Cape Smokey, the Cabot Snowmobile Club, Ingonish Harbour-View Chalets and MacKinnon House by the Sea enhance recreational activities and accommodation options in the region, making it an even more attractive destination for visitors and helping to stimulate the economy year-round. For more information on the businesses and projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting a diverse tourism industry in rural communities.

    Quotes

    “Breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and welcoming people, Ingonish is ready to be explored all year long. This magical region is where people return again and again to discover more. This World Tourism Day, plan to experience all this incredible community has to offer.”

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

    “Tourism is a powerful economic driver that supports job creation, local businesses and community growth. These projects will give visitors the fantastic outdoor experiences they seek while meeting the growing demand for high-quality, four-season accommodations in the region.”

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

    “Victoria County Council has made trail development a strategic priority and we are pleased to see this investment in a key component of the Victoria County Trail Plan. This plan aims to connect communities and their businesses to the Highlands trail network to improve participant access and user experience. Victoria County is proud to partner with strong volunteer organizations like the Cabot Snowmobile Club and recognizes the unique skills and passion these clubs bring to trail development.”

    – Bruce J Morrison, Warden of Victoria County

    “This new infrastructure will significantly increase our snowmaking capabilities, allowing us to produce more snow, faster. This will give visitors the confidence to book their winter holidays with confidence, knowing they will be able to ski or snowboard. It will also ensure that accommodation is fully booked and that restaurants in the area can operate without any problems. In other words, it is the spark that ignites the powder keg for the entire winter season.”

    – Martin Kejval, CEO Cape Smokey

    “The new trail officially connects Ingonish to the SANS Cape Breton Highlands Trail System, establishing Ingonish as both a recreational gateway and a year-round tourism destination. Not only will the project enhance the snowmobiler experience with more impressive groomed trails and a new destination, it will also promote other recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter wilderness camping, mountain biking, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking and more. Support for this community project is greatly appreciated!”

    – Gordon LeBlanc, member of the Cabot Snowmobile Club

    “We are grateful to ACOA for supporting our small business by providing access to financing. This support will allow us to realize our entrepreneurial dream of opening a luxury accommodation in our hometown of Ingonish. We are excited to get our project off the ground, create jobs and help the community increase the availability of four-season accommodations.”

    Juanita Butler, co-owner of Ingonish Harbour-View Chalets

    “I am very excited to see this development happen in this place of historical importance to me and my family. Thank you to ACOA for helping to make this project happen!”

    – Perry MacKinnon, Owner, MacKinnon House Ltd.

    Quick Facts

    Related products

    Related links

    Contact persons

    Connor BurtonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyConnor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    Lauren SinclairDirector of CommunicationsAtlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyLauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca782-641-6365

    Martin KejvalCEOCape Smokeymartin.kejval@capesmokeyholding.com902-294-0051

    Clifford AuCoinPresidentCabot Snowmobile Club of Cape Breton Islandftaucoin@hotmail.com902-563-6749

    Juanita ButlerCo-owner4535562 Nova Scotia Limitedjuanitabarron@hotmail.com902-717-5906

    Perry MacKinnonOwnerMacKinnon House Ltd.pmackinnon3@gmail.com902-285-4261

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    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Fact Sheet: More Stay and Entertainment Opportunities in Ingonish

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Support for four Cape Breton businesses enhances visitor experience year-round

    September 27, 2024 Ingonish, Nova Scotia Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Cape Breton’s welcoming culture, outdoor experiences and exceptional landscapes attract visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing a total of $1,262,165 to support winter activities and expand accommodation options in Ingonish, which will help extend the tourism season in the region.

    Cape Smokey Holding Ltd. receives $578,575 repayable contribution under the program Regional economic growth through innovation (CERI) to improve its power generation capacity. Power poles, three-phase power lines and modern systems will be installed from the middle to the top of the ski area, and a control room building will be constructed. This work will allow Cape Smokey to meet the power needs of its current facilities and tourism projects, and significantly increase its snowmaking capacity, ensuring consistent snow conditions for visitors. It will also allow the company to stop using its diesel generator on a daily basis, which will improve air quality and reduce noise.

    Cape Smokey is located in Ingonish, along the Cabot Trail and within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It was built in the 1970s and was operated for many years by local volunteers. In 2019, new owners purchased the property and began work to transform it into a four-season destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the ski hill and gondola, plans for the site include a treetop trail, accommodations, a residential project and a marina.

    The Cabot Snowmobile Club of Cape Breton Island (CSC) is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $299,840 through the Innovative Communities Fund (FCI) to complete the second phase of improvements to Trail No. 758, also known as the Mary Barker Trail, between Ingonish and Wreck Cove. As part of this phase, the snowmobile club will undertake stump removal, rough and fine grading, culvert installation, ditch and drainage work, silt and sediment control and resurfacing where necessary. This work will create a more functional trail that can be used year-round by residents and tourists. This will help make Ingonish a starting point for tourism activities year-round.

    The CSC was incorporated as a non-profit society in 1973 and currently has 90 members. It is a member of the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia (SANS). The CSC is responsible for the maintenance and grooming of over 200 km of SANS trails in the Cape Breton Highlands. It is one of six snowmobile clubs in Cape Breton that collaborate in the maintenance and grooming of the trail system. It relies heavily on volunteer members to enhance and maintain the trail system that attracts visitors and residents throughout the year.

    Ingonish Harbour-View Chalets receives a repayable contribution of $233,750 under the Tourism Growth Program to build two A-frame cottages, each sleeping eight people. The cottages will be located two kilometres from Cape Smokey, at the harbour entrance, and directly on the famous Cabot Trail. These year-round cottages will meet the accommodation needs of larger groups.

    Cabot Chalets is a new business owned by Juanita Butler and her brother, Patrick Barron. Growing up in Ingonish, they know that winter accommodation options are scarce in Victoria County. The business’s goal is to become a premier destination for tourists by offering luxury accommodations with high-end services, while focusing on unmatched customer service.

    MacKinnon House Ltd. receives $150,000 repayable contribution under the Tourism Growth Program to build five new visitor accommodation cottages near the MacKinnon House site in Ingonish. The cottages will be operated under the name Smokey Cove Cottages. The cottages will accommodate groups of varying sizes and help increase the accommodation capacity for year-round visitors, while providing a home base for exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Cabot Trail.

    MacKinnon House Ltd. is owned by Perry MacKinnon and sits on property that was once the site of a lighthouse operated by Perry’s grandfather until 1956. MacKinnon House is a four-room, year-round tourist property on the Cabot Trail near Cape Smokey Mountain.

    Connor BurtonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyConnor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    Lauren SinclairDirector of CommunicationsAtlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyLauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca782-641-6365

    Clifford AuCoinPresidentCabot Snowmobile Club of Cape Breton Islandftaucoin@hotmail.com902-563-6749

    Perry MacKinnonOwnerMacKinnon House Ltd.pmackinnon3@gmail.com902-285-4261

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blaine’s Bulletin – Harvesting Missouri’s Best

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03)

    Fall is a time of tradition, and like many of you, I look forward to the season—cooler weather, cheering on the Chiefs, and enjoying fall festivities with the grandkids. Our beautiful state is home to a wide array of thriving industries including aerospace, agriculture, transportation equipment, food processing, printing and publishing, financial services, and of course, beer. While these high-earning industries drive a portion of our state’s economy, I want to take a moment to highlight small businesses that not only fund the bank accounts of many Missourians but truly bring life and character to our communities.

    Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, picking up flowers for a loved one, or finding a unique gift, nothing beats the charm and personal touch of shopping at a locally owned business. In Jefferson City, you can stop by Carrie’s Hallmark Shop for the perfect gift, or enjoy a meal at Sweet Smoke BBQ, Over in Hermann, stop by Adam Puchta Winery or visit Hermann Wurst Haus for local delicacies. These businesses, along with countless others across the district and beyond, are the soul of the Third. They bring personality and life to our streets, offer gathering places for residents, and attract visitors who get to experience the best of Mid-Missouri.

    From bustling farmers markets to corner ice cream shops, these local entrepreneurs each bring something to the table that the Missouri’s Third District is. Small businesses are the backbone of Missouri’s economy, employing 1.2 million people—46.2% of our entire workforce. In fact, 530,380 small businesses make up 99.4% of all businesses in the state, showcasing their crucial role in sustaining the economic vitality of our local towns and cities. Whether it’s the farmer at your weekend market or the corner ice cream shop offering your new favorite flavor, these businesses contribute to our daily lives and community celebrations. They embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, creating spaces where we can dream, connect, and plan for the future.

    For those looking to support small businesses over chains, it’s as simple as checking out local farmers markets, downtown shops, or even looking up your favorite local artisans online. Many businesses have expanded to offer convenient services like curbside pick-up or local delivery, making it easier than ever to shop small and keep our money in our community. Despite the challenges they face in today’s economic environment, small businesses continue to thrive because of the support they receive from folks like you. So, as we head into fall, let’s remember to support our local entrepreneurs—the people who make Mid-Missouri a great place to live, work, and play.

    CONTACT US: I encourage you to visit my official website or call my offices in Jefferson City (573-635-7232) or Cottleville (636-327-7055) with your questions and concerns. If you want even greater access to what I am working on, please visit my YouTube site, Facebook page, and keep up-to-date with Twitter and Instagram. 

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $6.7 Million to Support Policing in Regina

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety will provide $5.8 million to the City of Regina in 2024-25 through the Municipal Police Grants program to continue to support 44 current municipal police positions in the city. 

    “As social disorder concerns continue to impact our communities, it is important that we provide stable funding to the Regina Police Service, so they can start planning for the upcoming fiscal year,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “We are proud to support our municipal police services as we work to create safer communities in Saskatchewan.”

    This funding will continue to support the Regina Police Service’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Serious and Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Plan, Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) program, Missing Persons Task Force, and Police and Crisis Teams (PACT), among other targeted policing initiatives. Through PACT, officers work with mental health workers to respond to calls where individuals may be experiencing a mental health crisis, while the CRT focuses on investigating gang-related activities in the community.

    The Serious and Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Plan allows officers to work with probation officers and prosecutors to address criminal behaviours of habitual offenders between the ages of 15 and 25. The Missing Persons Task Force coordinates cases involving missing persons, and ICE investigates online child exploitation cases.

    A total of $900,000 will also be provided by Saskatchewan Government Insurance to support five police offices through the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan program. This brings the total amount for the Regina Police Service Funding Agreement in 2024-45 to $6.7 million to support 49 police positions in the Queen City.

    “The Municipal Police Grant program is an invaluable resource for the Regina Police Service and provincial agencies alike who work to enhance community safety,” Regina Police Service Deputy Chief Trent Stevely said. “This grant not only provides additional funding for the Regina Police Service, but an opportunity to put more officers on the street and in specialized investigative units. With this program, we have seen a province-wide impact on areas such as gang and organized crime activity, internet child exploitation, as well as providing an increased focus on local substance abuse issues.”

    This funding is in addition to the $3.8 million that was recently announced for the City of Regina to hire 32 new officers for the Regina Police Service.

    The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety has provided financial support to Saskatchewan police services through the Municipal Police Grants program since 1998. Today, the grant program supports 143 municipal police positions and targeted policing initiatives in communities across the province.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: City of Prince Albert to Receive $3.6 Million for Targeted Policing Initiatives

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    Today, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety announced $3.1 million for the City of Prince Albert through its 2024-25 Municipal Police Grants program. A total of 23 current police service positions will be supported through this funding initiative.

    “Supporting municipal police services, such as the Prince Albert Police Service, is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “Today’s funding continues our government’s long-standing tradition of supporting policing in Saskatchewan, and we are proud to continue supporting the Municipal Police Grants program in 2024-25.” 

    The funding supports the continued delivery of targeted policing initiatives in Prince Albert, such as the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), which teams police officers with mental health workers to provide an integrated and coordinated response to individuals experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis in the community.

    The grant program also supports the continuation of the Crime Reduction Team (CRT) that gathers intelligence on street gangs and gang associates in the city; the Missing Persons Task Force that focuses on missing persons cases; the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) that investigates illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking; and the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) program that addresses online child exploitation.

    Saskatchewan Government Insurance will also provide $540,000 for three positions through the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) initiative. This brings the total amount of the Prince Albert Police Service Funding Agreement in 2024-25 to $3.6 million to support 26 police positions in the community.

    “The Prince Albert Police Service is grateful for the continued financial investment from the Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety,” Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier said. “This support is vital in ensuring our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and maintain peace within our community. We recognize the importance of a partnership between the province and the City of Prince Albert in addressing the unique challenges faced by our city.

    Prince Albert continues to serve a population far greater than its official records indicate, with a diverse and growing community. This includes not only our residents, but also those from surrounding areas who rely on the city for services. The shared responsibility between provincial and municipal authorities ensures that we are equipped to meet the demands placed on our police service and provide an effective and responsive approach to safety and security. The Prince Albert Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment, working closely with our provincial partners to address emerging challenges and uphold our mission of partnering and engaging to build a safe and compassionate community.”

    Today’s announcement is an additional funding boost for the City of Prince Albert, following the government’s recent announcement of $2.0 million to hire 17 new officers for the Prince Albert Police Service through its safer communities and neighbourhoods initiative.

    For the past 26 years, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety has supported Saskatchewan police services through the Municipal Police Grants program. It currently supports 143 municipal police positions and targeted policing initiatives in the province.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $7.7 Million for Policing and Community Safety Initiatives in Saskatoon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 27, 2024

    The City of Saskatoon will receive $6.8 million in 2024-25 through the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety’s Municipal Police Grants program to continue to fund 49 existing police officer positions in the city.

    “With the renewed support of the Municipal Police Grants program, the Saskatoon Police Service will continue delivering responsive policing services to help address social disorder concerns that are facing the community,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. 

    In Saskatoon, these targeted policing initiatives include: Police and Crisis Teams (PACT), a Crime Reduction Team (CRT), the Child Sexual Exploitation program, and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT). 

    Through PACT, police officers and mental health professionals team up to answer service calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis. CRTs target gang-related criminal activity in Saskatoon, and the Child Sexual Exploitation program investigates cases involving the sexual exploitation of children. STRT works to suppress criminal activity as an intelligence-led enforcement team that investigates illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking cases.

    Five positions with the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) initiative will also be funded by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). An additional $900,000 will be provided to the city through SGI, bringing the total for the Saskatoon Police Service Funding Agreement to $7.7 million for 54 police positions in 2024-25.

    “The challenges and complexities of policing within our current environment continue to grow,” Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride said. “In order to meet these demands, the provincial government has become a critical partner for us. Within this year, the Saskatoon Police Service will receive provincial revenue totaling $7.7 million, that will support critical police work. Without this partnership, our operations would be significantly impacted.”

    Today’s funding announcement is in addition to the $4.4 million that was recently announced to support the hiring of 37 new frontline officers for the Saskatoon Police Service as part of the government’s commitment to creating safer, vibrant communities in Saskatchewan.

    Since 1998, the ministry has provided funds through the Municipal Police Grants program to police services across the province. The program currently supports 143 municipal police positions in Saskatchewan.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News