The Government of Canada is providing $390,000 in funding to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in partnership with the Atlantic Memorial Park Society to restore the Command Post of the historic Chapel Point Battery.

The Chapel Point Battery is located in Atlantic Memorial Park at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. The Battery has been used during three periods since 1859, when it was first installed because of concerns surrounding the American Civil War. Since then, it has also served as a battery site in the First and Second World Wars. It was one of seven Sydney Harbour fortifications protecting Canada’s east coast steel and coal assets and convoys located in the Harbour from U Boat attack during the Second World War.

The restoration project will remove graffiti, repair deteriorated support structures, install new sloped roofs and stairways with handrails and interpretive historical signage, make the structure safe for public use and provide access to local heritage. Once it has been restored, the Battery will serve as a site for arts and heritage activities.

“I am proud to be part of this important project, which is helping preserve the military history of Cape Breton and Canada,” said Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, in a press release. “I commend the selfless work of the Atlantic Memorial Park Society. I would also like to applaud the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for their leadership on this project. Thanks to this restoration project, this site will not only educate, but also preserve and honour the legacy of the brave soldiers who defended our country.”

The funding is being provided through the Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, which is governed by Canadian Heritage. The Legacy Fund supports capital projects that commemorate anniversaries of significant events or people that had an impact on the local community.