More than $32-million is going towards improving the Canadian Coast Guard College in Cape Breton.
Just one day before these cadets are set to graduate, the future is looking brighter for those interested in patrolling and protecting Canadian waters.
Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Jody Thomas says this kind of money will help fix the nuts and bolts – like the heating and the roof.
“It means the Canadian Coast Guard College is going to be sustainable,” says Thomas. “That kind of money is hard to come by, this is massive for us.”
The $32-million will pay for the installation of solar heaters, new high efficiency boilers, and a new roof for the building. The project also ensures jobs for local workers.
Cape Breton Trades Council President Jack Wall says there will be fifty to sixty jobs created during the project.
“There’s going to be lots of people behind the scenes,” says Wall. “Engineers, and architects in the local area that’s going to get a lot of work out of this as well.”
The college first opened its doors in 1965 and celebrated its 50th anniversary just last year. Since that time, nearly 1,200 fleet officers have graduated from the school.
“This is going to set us up for the next 50 years,” says Nova Scotia Liberal M.P. Mark Eyking. “We’re not only training cadets from Canada, we are training them from other parts of the world.”
Commissioner Thomas says the nation’s economy really does float on salt water, vessels, and goods.
“People move in and out of this country because the Coast Guard keeps the waters safe,” she says. “The fact that the government sees that and is investing is very rewarding.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore
