Making predictions is a risky venture at the best of times. Most often they are incorrect and can place the author in a position of much embarrassment. So I’ve dusted off the crystal ball, consulted the stars and read the tea leaves to come up with 12 predictions for 2012. So without further ado, in no particular order:
1. Cabot Links made an impactful debut in 2011, with over 120 people working at the beautiful coast site. 2012 will see Cabot Links further expand its operations with the completion of a hotel. With all 18 holes open to the public, Cabot Links will continue to receive international accolades and therefore help shine a light on all of Cape Breton’s exceptional golf experiences. After just one full season of operation Cabot Links will be rated in the top 10…actually let’s go with top five golf courses in Canada.
2. Sydney Harbour activities were a dominant story for the majority of 2011. The significant community support for funding the dredge project, the prime minister arriving to announce the federal contribution through ECBC to the dredge, the actual dredging project, “the plume” from the dredge, Sydney Port Corporation governance, changes at Laurentian, new investment by Marine Atlantic on-shore and off with the launch of two new ferries, and the economic impact of the cruise ships visits, all made front page news. The completion of the dredge and new port commercialization activities around Sydney harbour will continue to be in the news. The prediction is that the deepened harbour is going to have an almost immediate impact and that there will be three, actually I’m feeling optimistic, let’s change that to five separate million-dollar-plus port projects announced in 2012. What these projects will be, I’m not at all sure, but the completion of the dredging project will definitely bring about new investments in bulk and breakbulk port activity.
3. The Cape Breton Island Marketing Levy Act went into effect in 2011 and resulted in Destination Cape Breton utilizing the funds to increase the promotion of Cape Breton as a world-class destination. With continued rankings as one of the world’s top island destinations, Cape Breton is poised to grow the overall impacts of the tourism sector. The response to the levy implementation has been positive to date. 2012 will see Inverness County finally coming on-side with the levy when the Inverness County Council votes to support this important destination marketing support initiative.
4. Membertou has received many deserving accolades for the First Nation community's ability to grow its economic impact. Now another Cape Breton First Nation community is getting better organized and planning for the future. Eskasoni is one of the largest first nation communities in Atlantic Canada. Under the leadership of Chief Denny, the community is building on its strengths and looking towards the future. 2012 will see Eskasoni continue to take steps to improve the prosperity of its people and will build a strong team of professionals in order to focus more of an effort on creating new projects, with at least two significant new initiatives being announced in 2012.
That was the first third of the predictions list. Tune in next week, same time same place for more. Happy New Year and all the best in 2012!
