SYDNEY, N.S. — Abbey Stapleton can hardly wait until next fall.
“I just can’t stop thinking about it. Everyone is so looking forward to this time next year,” said the Sydney River resident.
Stapleton’s anticipation and excitement are for next year’s opening of a new $7 million Horizon Achievement Centre now under construction in Sydney’s Harbourside Commercial Park.
“It is going to be a bigger building and more modern with lots of more stuff to learn,” said Stapleton, who has been a client at the centre’s Upper Prince Street facility for the past nine years in the bakery and catering department.
The centre provides vocational training and employment services for adults with intellectual disabilities or those who face employment barriers. The new facility will expand services and the number of clients who can access services.
Construction has begun on the new facility and board chair Jim Davis said it is expected that the new facility will bring the number of clients from the current level of 90 to 150.
“The location is very central and the new building will have the latest in technology along with a number of green features to make operations more environmentally friendly,” he said.
Stapleton and Davis were among the guests to attend Monday’s announcement made by Liberal MP Jamie Battiste who represents Sydney–Victoria.
Battiste announced the federal government was contributing $2.6 million to the project. The province previously announced it was contributing $2 million with the remainder raised through the community.
“This was 10 years in the making and a year from now, we will have a new building and a new beginning,” said Davis.
“I can’t wait to welcome others to the new Horizon Achievement Centre who will have the opportunity to take part in positive experiences that I’ve had in the past nine years,” said Stapleton.
Monday’s announcement was held at the current site and included representation from the municipal, provincial and federal governments.
“The new facility of the Horizon Achievement Centre will foster acceptance and inclusion for adults living with mental disabilities or facing employment barriers,” said Battiste, in making the federal funding announcement.
