The Horizon Achievement Centre in Sydney is building a new multi-purpose facility in Harbourside Commercial Park on the old steel plant site.

Horizon Achievement Centre is Cape Breton's largest provider of vocational training and employment development services for adults living with intellectual disabilities. The new building will house Horizon's many social enterprises such as printing, catering, and employment services, as well as providing more space for training, meetings, and recreational activities. 

"We are at full capacity in our current location and we have many people on a waiting list," said Carol Pendergast, Executive Director of Horizon Achievement Centre. "The new space will allow us to expand our programs and accommodate more clients." 

The new Centre will be a 20,600 square foot building designed by Trifos Design Consultants and built by Dora Construction. Planning was led by a Horizon volunteer building committee whose expertise provided direction and oversight to the project while working with contractors. Ground was broken in September of 2020 with a target completion date of October 31, 2021. The final construction cost is estimated to be $6.7 million.

Project funding was split between the Government of Canada ($2.7 million), the Province of Nova Scotia ($2 million), and local fundraising by Horizon ($2 million).

"Horizon has raised 1.4 million through local fundraising like Chase the Ace, however we are not done yet," said Pendergast. "We still need to raise money for new equipment, furniture, and landscaping. We expect to launch a formal fundraising campaign in the very near future to complete the project." 

"Our staff and clients are all so excited by the progress and can't wait to get into the building," she adds. "We're taking photos and posting them on our Facebook page. We're thrilled that we will be able to see the new centre finally come to fruition." 

To learn more about the new Horizon Achievement Centre, visit their Facebook page below. 

To make a Building Fund Donation, CLICK HERE

Horizon Achievement Centre

780 Upper Prince St., Sydney, NS, B1P 5N6
[email protected]

(902) 539-8553

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