Economic Development
Port Hawkesbury is Open for Business.
Economic Development encompasses a range of programs, projects, priorities, or activities specifically designed to enhance the overall economic well-being and quality of life for a community and its residents. Over the years, our dedicated Town staff and Council have been actively involved in a variety of economic development initiatives and files, spanning the period from 2016 to 2024. This section will provide an overview for some of the economic work done to date in Port Hawkesbury.
Home Hardware.
The Town of Port Hawkesbury recently rezoned to allow “The MacDonald Group" to utilize the location of the former Call Centre (Queen Street Extension) as the site for a new Home Hardward location. This family-owned business currently owns and operates successful Home Hardware stores in Port Hood and Whycocomagh. The new Port Hawkesbury Home Hardware Building Centre is tentatively planned to open in the Spring of 2025. The MacDonald Group notes:
"We are proud to be part of the growth in the town of Port Hawkesbury and surrounding areas. We are looking forward to what the future has in store."
The Oceans Innovation Centre & NSCC Nautical Institute Extension Centre.
The former Creamery Building has long sat vacant, unfinished, an sad shell of it’s once wonderful life as a community quilt market, community centre, and even at one time, a candy shop. It was very important to see this very important and historic building have a new life, and a new role on our growing waterfront.
Today, you will see that it has been truly transformed. The front-facing part of the building is the current location of the Oceans Innovation Centre – a joint project with the Town, the Cape Breton Partnership, and other partners. The side-facing entrance belongs to the Nova Scotia Community College and Nautical Institute, and it is used as an extension office for waterfront-based marine training, class work, and extension office space.
The Oceans Innovation Centre has had a few tenants to date, and currently the Town and partners are in the process of promoting the space for more tenants in the oceans and green energy sectors. The space is also currently used as a meeting space and events space. This is early days for the Oceans Innovation Centre, and there is opportunity to generate revenues for the town, as well as a brain trust of oceans tech and green energy tech innovation-based entrepreneurs at our waterfront in Port Hawkesbury.
Cape Breton Partnership & the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network.
The Cape Breton Partnership is the Economic Development arm of the Municipalities of Unama’ki – Cape Breton through the Regional Enterprise Network (REN). The Cape Breton Partnership employs the Economic Development Officers who provide services throughout Unama’ki – Cape Breton and support new and established businesses by connecting them to resources, programs, and information to make it easier to start or grow their business in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. The Cape Breton Partnership, through the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CB REN), also seeks to work collaboratively with partners to improve the investment climate for new investors and attract new firms and projects that can benefit the economy and communities of Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
The CB REN is administered by the Cape Breton Partnership and funded by the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Economic Development, Municipality of the County of Inverness, Municipality of the County of Richmond, Municipality of the County of Victoria, Eskasoni First Nation, Membertou, Wagmatcook First Nation, We’koqma’q L’nue’kati, and Town of Port Hawkesbury with additional leveraged funds secured on a case-by-case basis through the efforts of the broader Cape Breton Partnership.
The strategic priorities of the CB REN are:
People: A growing population with a focus on workforce development.
Inclusion: An economy that works for everyone.
Reconciliation: Reconciliation through economic development partnerships.
Strong Communities: Capacity to support growth throughout the region.
Entrepreneurship and Business Growth: A culture of entrepreneurship and high-quality companies.
Innovation: A resilient, progressive economy.
Forward. Together. is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s Economic Development and Population Growth plan, created through consultation of groups and individuals across the Island, and made for use by all organizations, communities, and individuals committed to success across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. This document helps to guide the work of the CBREN, and its Municipal and First Nation partners.
Rachelle Samson is our Economic Development Officer, who works on behalf of both Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury - she can be reached at: 902-562-0122 or by email: rachelle@capebretonpartnership.com
Port Hawkesbury Retail Market Analysis.
This study is another important piece of work to better understand our retail market in Port Hawkesbury. It was part of our CBREN work, and retail market analysis was also done for other areas as well.
The objective of this comprehensive study was to thoroughly document and evaluate the current retail inventories, while also defining the realistic Retail Trade Areas that they effectively serve. The purpose of this important research was to establish a solid foundation and reliable baseline for determining the depth of retail opportunity available, as well as identifying associated gaps in the market provision of various shops and services. Moreover, this study aimed to determine the types of retail that could fill these identified gaps in an effective manner. Ultimately, the end result of this research is to bolster and enhance the retail market in these designated areas by retaining or attracting a greater market share of spending from residents, visitors, and passing motorists in the community.
Canada - Germany Hydrogen Alliance.
Hydrogen is crucial for global energy needs, including energy security and climate action. Canada’s natural resources, technology, and infrastructure make it a reliable supplier of clean hydrogen. Therefore, the Government of Canada is supporting the development of a transatlantic hydrogen trade corridor with Germany to aid industrial decarbonization in Germany and Europe.
On July 31, Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced Canada’s commitment of up to $300 million to support clean hydrogen trade with Germany. The funds will be allocated through a competitive auction process expected by year-end, pending European Commission review and Germany's funding commitment. This initiative, under the Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance, aims to help Canadian companies access German markets for clean hydrogen and ammonia, ensuring Germany receives competitively priced clean energy products from Canadian industry. I was in attendance for this phenomenal announcement at the Port Hawkesbury waterfront.
Germany is a key ally of Canada, sharing a commitment to clean economies. The Canada-Germany clean hydrogen trade will create sustainable jobs, enhance energy security, and lower emissions. This marks progress towards a transatlantic hydrogen economy, benefiting Canadians, especially in Atlantic Canada and the Strait area in particular. The Canadian government aims to be the preferred clean energy provider for allies, supporting Europe’s energy security and climate goals. Today's announcement reinforces Canada’s commitment to exporting clean hydrogen and advancing the global net-zero efforts.
The Town of Port Hawkesbury will work with industry and partners to ensure that the town and region benefits from this incredible green energy sector opportunity.
BRELA Homes - Memorial Drive.
This summer, our Council was able to amend our zoning to allow for a new housing development on Memorial Drive, near the Nova Scotia Community College and Nautical Institute. The development is in phase one, and currently has 16 new studio and one-bedroom apartments available for rent starting September 1, 2024. In phase two, tentative plans are to add 8 more units in the winter and potential several more in the Spring. The development has plans for 40 units. Please contact info@brelahomes.ca for more information!
This housing development is a significant milestone for the Town of Port Hawkesbury; housing has long been a Council priority, and a substantial amount of time has been spent promoting Port Hawkesbury for housing developments, and much more work will be needed to continue to achieve more housing options for population growth.
Think “Outside” the BOX…
Our creative solution to address chronically vacant properties owned by the Town? An entrepreneurial “Dragon’s Den-style” contest with a grand prize including 2 years free rent. Winner was chosen by a panel of judges from our business community.
Turning Issues into Opportunities.
In 2016, the Town owned several chronically vacant properties, and it was decided by a unanimous motion of council to partner with the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce and our Regional Enterprise Network to offer a “Dragons-Den” style business start-up context that would offer 2 years free rent in one of the chronically vacant municipal properties. It was launched on Canada Day 2017 and 20 business pitches were entered into the contest. The winner was That Dog Place - who’s owner decided to build vs accepted the free rent. By the end of the contest the Town of Port Hawkesbury had successfully rented most of the vacant spaces via private interests that was - in part - spurred on by the Contest and starting a business in Port Hawkesbury!
Customs
House
Artist Incubation Project
.
The Customs House located on Granville Street was a chronically vacant building (former “Wellness Centre”). We were successful in transitioning this historic building into a craft incubator. This was an important economic development project that saw 4 new artists move to our Town to practice their craft, and increase commerce at our waterfront. Today, Customs House continues to operate as a incubator and storefront for artists and artisans. This craft incubator includes fully equipped studios, craft business development support, technical mentor-ship, public and visitor engagement, and more.
Celtic Air Services
We saw diversification of business services and offerings at our Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport, our Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport Committee hosted a strategic planning session to set this important transportation asset on a positive course for growth.
This locally-owned FBO is managed by Dave Morgan, who will continue to grow his business, and collaborate with the Town of Port Hawkesbury and other partners whom depend on regional air access in the Strait Region and Western Cape Breton. Note: Significant investment has been realized with the installation of a new hanger - and a major capital project that includes runway replacement (currently underway).
Destination Reeves Street Economic Development Project.
This was a strategic plan created by community partners and the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency to work directly with businesses along or close to Reeves Street to participate in cost share facade projects.
•15 designs were completed by consultant for businesses.
•Estimated $3 million investment in businesses.
•$105,000 in business incentives were provided.
Below are some examples of the businesses who participated.
Before and After Photos
Before and After Photos
Hosting Events to Stimulate Our Local Economy.
Celtic Colours Festival, with an International Audience, has hosted either their opening or closing shows at our Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre.
Grand Slam of Curling has been hosted at our Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre twice now, and with great results.
Gym.
Our Town values active lifestyles. A gym is a key factor for new and existing residents. The Council has leased the gym in the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre to Body n’ Soul.
We Celebrate seeing our businesses investing in renovations and facade work, as well as new Businesses established over the past 8 years, as well as new exciting developments!
This is a great indicator that our economy is on the move; we are so fortunate to see public sector investments in housing, private sector investment in buildings and properties, as well as new businesses opening their doors! We are grateful to all of our stakeholders who work and do business in our Town!
