Commercial Real Estate
Unama’ki – Cape Breton is currently experiencing a shortage of commercial and light industrial space for growing and emerging industries. With the population and the economy growing Island-wide, there are opportunities for commercial real estate developers to invest in Cape Breton Island.
Competitive Advantage
Availability of Development-Ready Land
As outlined in the map above, there are development-ready lands already zoned for development in the industrial and commercial hubs of the Strait Area and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). In the CBRM, the Northside Business Park is conveniently located near the Trans-Canada Highway 105 and the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal in North Sydney. There is also development-ready land in the Sydport Industrial Park Properties in the Northside Business Park are competitively priced and a simple purchasing process through the municipality. Tax incentives are available for property investors in specific areas of the CBRM – learn more here.
In the Strait Area, there is development-ready land zoned for industrial available for sale at both the Point Tupper Heavy Industrial Park and the Richmond County Light Industrial Park. These industrial parks are located close to Trans-Canada Highway 105 and Nova Scotia Highway 104, the Canso Causeway and mainland Nova Scotia, and the SuperPort Marine Services Ltd. These industrial parks are also in close proximity to the Town of Port Hawkesbury which also has multiple retail locations for sale or rent to offer current and prospective investors.
Investment Opportunities – Commercial Development
Tourism
Unama’ki – Cape Breton is a world-class tourism destination, and there is a need and desire to develop more elevated tourism experiences to help local businesses, while showcasing all the Island has to offer for visitors from around the world. As a growing and ever-changing industry, the opportunities are endless. Whether you want to open a restaurant, cafe, offer accommodations, entertainment, or a new tourism adventure, Unama’ki – Cape Breton is the place to make it happen.
Retail
As residential areas expand, there will be a growing need for shopping centres, grocery stores, and other essential services. Land is available for retail development across the Island, with opportunities in major centres such as Membertou’s Seventh Exchange Retail District in the CBRM, boutique retail in Inverness, St. Peters, Baddeck, and Ingonish, and commercial developments in the regional service hub of the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
Workspaces
With the popularity of remote work on the rise, many have relocated to Unama’ki – Cape Breton in favour of a higher quality of life, away from the hustle and bustle of a city centre. There are many opportunities to create co-working spaces or business centres that offer state-of-the-art remote working facilities for those who have chosen to move their home offices to the Island.
Investment Opportunities – Infrastructure
Transportation
Unama’ki – Cape Breton is poorly served by public transportation outside of the urban areas, so investment in transit systems is needed. The Island’s transport infrastructure including roads and bridges is also in need of some investment, however strides are being made in communities across the Island each year to help them transform their communities to allow for active transportation.
Digital Infrastructure
To continue attracting remote workers and the digital economy, the Island requires investment in internet and mobile phone networks across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Internet and mobile phone networks do not serve the entire island currently.
Utilities
A growth in population will require continued investment in local utilities such as water, electricity, and waste management. There are opportunities to use smart solutions here to position Unama’ki – Cape Breton as a leader in the green energy transition for Atlantic Canada.
Investment Opportunities – Real Estate
Vacant Land
There is a great deal of underutilized or vacant land which could be used for future development of some of the opportunities mentioned elsewhere on this page.
Historic Properties
There are many historic buildings and places across Unama’ki – Cape Breton, with opportunities to redevelop or repurpose these buildings into boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, or unique commercial spaces for tourism offerings and local markets.
Waterfront Properties
Unama’ki – Cape Breton offers major opportunity to invest in world-class waterfront developments, including resorts, residential areas, and commercial spaces. High returns on these investments are possible if developed and marketed appropriately.
Key Resources
Downloadable Resources
Click the document below for a downloadable pdf.
Web Resources
Building-Tomorrow – a Cape Breton Partnership initiative highlighting the 5 major projects on the island putting people to work.
Construction Association of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
The Eastern District Planning Commission – information about planning and inspections in Antigonish County, Inverness County, Richmond County, Victoria County, the Town of Antigonish and the Town of Port Hawkesbury.
Investment Opportunities
Conceptual Study: Green Cement Manufacturing Facility
The Cape Breton Partnership has commissioned DMDE Engineering Limited to carry out a high-level conceptual study to investigate the potential of a green cement manufacturing plant in Strait of Canso, Unama’ki – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
The Strait of Canso Investment Attraction Website
Unlock the potential of the Strait of Canso. Discover the limitless opportunities in one of Atlantic Canada’s most dynamic regions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with big dreams, a seasoned investor seeking growth, or a corporation ready to expand, the Strait of Canso is where innovation meets opportunity.
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Visit www.thestraitofcanso.ca to start your journey today!
For More Information
Need more information, assistance, or support? The Cape Breton Partnership works on behalf of all Municipalities and First Nations in Cape Breton – Unama’ki and can connect you to the tools or information you need. Contact us today or explore our database of business supports at www.EntrepreneurCB.com.
Click here to submit an addition/edit to this pageLast Modified: November 21, 2024