WELCOME TO Victoria County WELCOME TO Victoria County

Table of Contents

Community Profile...... 3 By the Numbers...... 11 Business Resources & Partners...... 16 More Business Resources & Partners...... 17 Just the Facts...... 5 Population by Age...... 11 The Cape Breton Partnership & Area Business and Tourism Association Location, Location, Location...... 6 Education Levels ...... 11 Atlantic Opportunities Agency Destination Cape Breton Wagmatcook...... 6 Participation, Employment, Unemployment The Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce Development Society & Full-time/Part-time Rates...... 12 CBDC InRich Municipality of Victoria County A Compelling, Competitive Employment by sector: Community Economic Development Investment Fund Business Environment...... 7 Goods...... 12 Develop Private services...... 13 Innovacorp Destination Victoria County...... 8 Health services...... 13 Nova Scotia Cooperative Council Education...... 13 Nova Scotia Business Inc. The Seafood Industry...... 9 Public administration...... 13 Strait Area Chamber of Commerce Cape Breton Population...... 14 Immigration...... 15 County Population by age...... 15 Business Costs...... 15 A publication of the

1 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 2 Community Profile

Victoria County is in the heart of .

Breathtaking vistas and tight-knit communities make Victoria County a welcoming place to live, work and visit. Like other areas of Cape Breton there is a rich mix of cultures including Mi’kmaq, Scottish and Irish. With more businesses per capita than any other municipality in Nova Scotia, this enterprising community is ready for more! Named for Queen Victoria, you’ll be sure of a royal welcome when you settle here.

The people of Victoria County invite you to learn more about what this area has to offer.

3 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 4 Just the Facts Location, Location, Location Victoria County offers something special around every corner. From Cape North on the to Baddeck on Baddeck is located at the centre the Bras d’Or Lakes, this area is as rich in history as it is in beauty. Fisheries and tourism are the key economic of Cape Breton Island. It is a village drivers of this area, fuelled by an energetic group of entrepreneurs, ready to welcome you. filled with heart, history and hospitality. It is a great spot to The Cabot Trail runs through northern Victoria County, bringing thousands of visitors to the area each year. launch a trek around the iconic A range of festivals and events enhance the experience when visiting Victoria County—whether you’re watching Cabot Trail – a 300 km roadway whales or taste a haggis at the Highland Village. The diversity of experiences found in Victoria matches its that hugs the Highlands and the geography. Sprawling mountains, beautiful beaches and quaint villages, Victoria County has it all. coastline of northern Cape Breton. Consistently named one of the top Businesses of any size are welcome in Victoria County, with Municipal Council taking a hands-on approach to travel destinations in the world ensure the needs of businesses—and their customers—are met. for its endless array of exhilarating outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and sailing adventures on the Bras d’Or.

Tourism is a major industry here and there are plenty of opportunities for niche businesses. The Bite House is a 12-seat restaurant in an old farmhouse that has been described as a foodies dream in the New York Times, Food & Wine and Bon Appétit. Victoria County businesses offer meaningful experiences - like zip lining with a view of the Atlantic at Mountain Pine Adventures in Dingwall; empowerment at Highland Bow & Arrow, whale watching in Ingonish, Dingwall and Bay St. Lawrence and more.

With direct flights from Toronto, Montreal and Halifax to Sydney, Cape Breton is easily accessible as a tourism destination. Exploring Victoria County will appeal to artisans, historians, musicians, gourmets and anyone interested in the outdoors.

Much like the rest of Cape Breton Island, there is always something new to discover in this unique corner of the world.

The community also uses the services of Victoria County Transit, which offers inclusive, safe and reliable transportation to residents and visitors.

Victoria County is connected to mainland Nova Scotia by Highway 105, offering businesses a direct link to the Port of Sydney and the Canso Port in Richmond County. Victoria’s sea, road and air transportation options allow for shipping and receiving flexibility. The ports at the Strait of Canso and nearby Sydney are deep-waterports thatcan accommodate the largest post-Panamax vessels. A full range of trucking services provides another option for transport. Victoria’s multimodal transportation network means businesses can reach customers across the Continent.

Wagmatcook

Nestled on a hill in Nyanza, overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake — a UNESCO biosphere — With a population close to 700, this First Nation Community is located beside the Bras d’Or Lakes. Many residents Big Spruce Brewing grows the bulk of their hops on their certified organic farm. still speak the Mi’kmaw language fluently, and the community continues to work hard to preserve both the The farm became home to the family of Alexander MacKenzie of Scotland in 1865 and language and history of the Mi’kmaw. The Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre plays a pivotal role in keeping remained in the family for four generations until Big Spruce made it their home in 2008. the culture alive while the economy is propelled by the Wagmatcook Commercial Fishery. The Fishery is focused on sustainability and generating the highest returns back to the community.

5 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 6 A Compelling, Competitive Destination Victoria County Located on the northern shore of Cape Breton, Victoria County is one of the most diverse and beautiful tourist destinations in the Maritimes. Rich in arts and culture, the County has several unique tourism areas including: Business Environment Baddeck, St. Ann’s Bay, Ingonish, Central Cape Breton and Boulardarie. Victoria County was one of the first to focus on broadband infrastructure and became the most connected rural Here you’ll find some of the world’s best sailing, county in North America. Recognizing that this vital infrastructure is key to economic success, a three-phase challenging cycling routes and a haven for the golfing program was initiated. Working with partners Aliant, Eastlink and Seaside Cable—Victoria County built the enthusiast. Two of the world’s top-rated courses are needed infrastructure to provide high-speed Internet to every community in the county. located in Victoria County including Highland Links, and Bell Bay. Hikers can see old-growth forests, The seafood industry is a major economic driver in Victoria County. Agriculture and fisheries include fish hatcheries, rocks scarred by glaciers as well as some of the most marine finfish and shellfish aquaculture. The industry is valued at $1.4 million—a major contributor to the provincial unique cultural experiences the Island has to offer. fishing industry. Opportunities for experiential tourism operations are The Village of Baddeck is a main boating centre on the Island, and offers 111 mooring spits, 22 of which are increasing. Hands-on artisan studios, guided kayak commercial. The Village of Baddeck is also the commercial centre for the county. Victoria County is focused tours, boat tours, and bird watching are all part of on creating and fostering economic growth, and has created a commercial waterfront zone to maximize the the magic of Victoria County. Local music can be economic potential of Baddeck Harbour. seen and heard at kitchen parties, or ceilidhs as they are known locally. Here you’ll experience traditional Gaelic music performed by some of the most talented musicians on the planet. That’s one of the reasons International Festival has become such a success on Cape Breton Island.

The Highland Village in Iona is a 40-acre outdoor living museum that tells the story of the Gaelic One of the most settlement in Nova Scotia. The mission of the museum is to research, collect, preserve and share the Gaelic diverse and beautiful heritage and culture of Nova Scotia. tourist destinations Colaisde na Gàidhlig / , is the only institution of its kind in North America. With a well-earned in the Maritimes. reputation for its contribution to the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic culture, the college presents a truly one-of-a-kind learning experience. It offers instruction in over 10 disciplines and provides the visitor with unique opportunities to experience the living culture of the Gaels who settled here.

Victoria County inspired . He chose the community of Baddeck to build a second home. A Parks Canada National Historic Site dedicated to him in Baddeck, provides a rare glimpse into the heart and mind of the famous inventor.

For more than 30 years, PolyTech Products Ltd. has been a manufacturer of high quality and high standard European design products. The company was founded in Europe in 1966 before expanding to Canada in 1988 with the opening of the manufacturing/sales office in Baddeck.

7 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 8 The Seafood Industry

The Victoria Cooperative Fisheries Ltd. has been in operation since 1956. This forward thinking and unique cooperative buys a variety of seafood from over 140 inshore commercial fishing vessels. The majority of seafood, including lobster, snow crab, halibut, ground fish and mackerel are bought from vessels that are locally owned and operated. During peak periods, about 125 individuals are employed, providing a $2 million payroll for the local economy. The Victoria brand is known for its quality, as their seafood is harvested daily from the surrounding Atlantic waters. Its products are shipped to Japan, Hong Kong, China, the USA and Canada.

9 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 10 By the Numbers

Victoria has the people you need in a place you’ll love, with a population of 7,089 and an average age of 45. There are five businesses operating with over 100 employees, five medium sized businesses with between 50-99 employees and 887 businesses with less than 50 employees. With nearly 22 per cent of the population under the age of 20, and another 18 per cent between the ages of 20 and 39, Victoria County has the talent pool to support any business. With a labour force of 3,720, tourism and fishing are the key economic drivers in the area. The residential tax rate is $1.22 per $100 assessment, while the commercial rate is $2.12 per $100 assessment.

80.0% 80.0% Population by age cohort, 2016 Participation, employment, unemployment and FT/PT rates (age 15+), 2015 70.0% 70.0%

60.0% 60.0%

50.0% 50.0%

40.0% 40.0%

30.0% 30.0%

20.0% 20.0%

10.0% 10.0%

0.0% 0.0% Participation rate Employment rate Unemployment rate Did not work Worked full year, full time Worked part year and/or 0 to 14 years 15 to 64 years 65 years and over 85 years and over part time

Canada Nova Scotia Halifax CBRM Richmond Inverness Victoria Cape Breton Island Canada Nova Scotia Halifax CBRM Richmond Inverness Victoria Cape Breton Island Port Hawkesbury

35.0% 16.0% Highest level of education (25-64 years old), 2016 Employment by sector: goods (age 15+), 2015 30.0% 14.0%

12.0% 25.0% 10.0% 20.0% 8.0% 15.0% 6.0% 10.0% 4.0%

5.0% 2.0%

0.0% 0.0% No certificate, Secondary (high) Apprenticeship or College, CEGEP or Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree Earned doctorate 11 Agriculture, forestry, fishing 21 Mining, quarrying and oil and 22 Utilities 23 Construction 31-33 Manufacturing diploma or degree school diploma or trades certificate other non-university and hunting gas extraction equivalenct certificate or diploma certificate or diploma

Canada Nova Scotia Halifax CBRM Richmond Inverness Victoria Cape Breton Island Port Hawkesbury Canada Nova Scotia Halifax CBRM Richmond Inverness Victoria Cape Breton Island Port Hawkesbury

11 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 12 In Cape Breton, 58 per cent of establishments had fewer than five employees, and 98 per cent of establishments Cape Breton Population as of July 1, 2018 had fewer than 100 employees. The region had seven large establishments (500 or more employees). Five were in the public services sector (education, health/social services and public administration) with the remaining two in administrative, support, waste management and/or remediation services. The average wage offered was $15.70 per hour, which is influenced by the types of jobs available. Port Hawkesbury Richmond County 3,214 8,964 Employment by sector: services-private (age 15+) 2015 16.0% 14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% Inverness County 0.0% 41 44-45 48-49 51 52 53 54 55 56 71 72 81 17,235 Wholesale Retail Transportation Information Finance Real estate Professional, Management Administrative Arts, Accommoda- Other services trade trade and and cultural and insurance and rental and scientific and of companies and support, entertainment tion and (except public warehousing industries leasing technical and waste and recreation food services administration) services enterprises management & remediation CBRM services Victoria County 94,285 Canada Nova Scotia Halifax CBRM Richmond Inverness Victoria Cape Breton Island Port Hawkesbury 7,089

Retail trade makes up a bigger portion of employment in Cape Breton. Accommodation/food is also a bigger employer proportionally. There are notably lower shares of employment in finance/insurance, information/culture and professional/technical

20.0% Employment by sector: services-health, education, public admin. (age 15+) 2015 18.0%

16.0% 14.0%

12.0% 10.0%

8.0% 6.0% 4.0%

2.0% 0.0% 62 Health care and social assistance 61 Educational services 91 Public administration

Canada Nova Scotia Halifax CBRM Richmond Inverness Victoria Cape Breton Island Port Hawkesbury

Public service employment as a share of total is higher in Cape Breton, particularly for health care.

13 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 14 Immigration has contributed to the recent acceleration of Nova Scotia’s population growth. Immigration was concentrated in Halifax with 4,353 immigrants added to the population. The next highest numbers of immigrants Business Resources & Partners added were in Cape Breton and Kings counties. The Cape Breton Partnership 5,000 180 162 The Cape Breton Partnership is Cape Breton-Unama’ki’s private sector-led economic development organization 4,353 Immigration 159 160 that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live and invest; growing a 4,500 July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and 4,000 140 companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com. 3,500 120 Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 3,000 100 85 Federal Government Agency, works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping 77 businesses become more competitive, innovative, and productive. 2,500 80 68 60 50 2,000 39 The Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce 40 The Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth by listening and advocating 1,500 22 25 20 17 15 for members’ needs. Its vision is to create a strong business community through collaboration, networking, 20 8 9 13 9 1,000 6 advocacy and education. More information can be found through the Membership coordinator at 0 www.cbregionalchamber.ca 500 CBDC InRich Kings Hants 0 Digby Since 1981, this organization has been providing valuable business development services, assisting more than 1,400 Queens Victoria Shelbure Inverness Kings Hants Annapolis Digby Yarmouth Richmond

Pictou businesses with start-ups and expansions. Halifax Colchester Lunenburg Antigonish Queens Victoria Shelbure Cumberland Cape Breton Inverness Annapolis Yarmouth Richmond Colchester Guysborough Lunenburg Antigonish Cumberland Cape Breton Guysborough Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF) Individuals can make investments in order to help them raise the capital needed to open or operate a business Populations aged 15 to 39 are also declining in many counties. However, growth of this age cohort in Cape Breton, Halifax, Annapolis and Kings counties has kept the size of this cohort growing for the province as a whole. Develop Nova Scotia The steepest declines in this population were reported in Guysborough, Victoria, and Pictou counties. Develop Nova Scotia is responsible for strategic economic infrastructure and prosperity across the province. It The counties with the highest share of the population aged between 15 and 39 were Halifax and Antigonish. works closely with partners, stakeholders, and industries that contribute to the economic growth of the province. 55.0% 5.0% Growth July 1 2017 to June 30 2018 50.0% County population by age 4.0% Innovacorp Share of total population Innovacorp is an early stage venture capital organization designed to meet the needs of promising companies 45.0% 3.0% July 1, 2018 specializing in technology. 40.0% 2.0% 35.0% 1.0% Nova Scotia Cooperative Council 30.0% The Nova Scotia Cooperative Council offers the small business loan guarantee program and the immigrant small 0.0% business loan program. 25.0% -1.0% 20.0% -2.0% Nova Scotia Business Inc. 15.0% Provincial Government business development agency, helping businesses grow with a focus on developing new 10.0% -3.0% exporters and attracting innovative, globally competitive companies to Nova Scotia. 15 to 39 years 5.0% -4.0% Strait Area Chamber of Commerce 0.0% -5.0% The Strait Area Chamber of Commerce is a business development organization that promotes, improves and protects trade and commerce. Its vision is to make the Strait area one of the best regions to live, invest, work Kings Kings Hants Hants Digby Digby Pictou Pictou Halifax Halifax

Queens Queens and conduct business. More information can be found at www.straitareachamber.ca. Victoria Victoria Shelbure Shelbure Inverness Inverness Annapolis Annapolis Yarmouth Yarmouth Richmond Richmond Colchester Colchester Lunenburg Lunenburg Antigonish Antigonish Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Cumberland Cumberland Cape Breton Cape Breton Guysborough Guysborough

Business Costs Corporate tax rates--$2.12 per $100 assessment // Residential tax rate --$1.22 per $100 assessment

15 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 16 More Business Resources & Partners Notes:

Baddeck & Area Business and Tourism Association (BABTA) An association of business owners in Baddeck & area.

Destination Cape Breton The destination marketing organization for Cape Breton Island, actively markets the destination to potential visitors, while also taking strategic steps with industry partners to develop the destination to position it for optimal success.

Ingonish Development Society A group of forward-thinking business owners in Ingonish & area.

Municipality of Victoria County A full service municipal government

17 Welcome to Victoria County Welcome to Victoria County 18 We can’t wait for you to get here! For more information, contact the Cape Breton Partnership Email: [email protected] | Phone: 1-844-868-0967 www.welcometocapebreton.ca www.capebretonpartnership.com

285 Alexandra Street 609 Church Street, Suite 101 Sydney, Nova Scotia Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia B1S 2E8 B9A 2X4

19 Welcome to Victoria County