Research & Reports


The Cape Breton Partnership has led, participated in, and commissioned a number of reports and research documents.

Forward. Together. – Unama’ki – Cape Breton Economic Development & Population Growth Plan

October 25, 2023

Forward. Together. Unama’ki – Cape Breton Economic Development & Population Growth Plan In 2019, the Cape Breton Partnership began the development of an Island-wide Economic Development & Population Growth Plan, engaging in extensive consultation with rightsholders,...

Scotia Rail Development Society – Reports & Studies

May 22, 2023

Scotia Rail Development Society – Reports & Studies The Scotia Rail Development Society is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the revitalization of rail assets and resumption of fully operational rail service in Eastern Nova Scotia and beyond. The society has accumulated...

Nova Scotia Quality of Life Initiative

April 6, 2023

Nova Scotia Quality of Life Initiative Led by Engage Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Quality of Life Initiative began with a question: What if there is a better way to measure how we’re doing? Traditionally, much of the information we use to make decisions is based on economic data....

Opportunity For All: Workplace Inclusion Initiative Consultations & Recommendations

December 22, 2022

This study presents the findings of a primary research study conducted in the CapeBreton-Unama’ki region about workplace inclusion. The team applied a multimodalapproach to interviewing people at different levels including employers, service providers,and members of the workforce across...

CBRM Forward Economic Development Strategy

August 22, 2022

CBRM Forward Economic Development Strategy: The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) commissioned a detailed planning process led by Dillon Consulting Inc. to guide the community’s progress over the next several decades. The planning framework includes an economic development strategy, a...

Retail Market Assessment  – Louisbourg, Cape Breton Regional Municipality

May 17, 2021

Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. was commissioned by the Cape Breton Partnership and Develop Nova Scotia to prepare a Retail Market Assessment for the town of Louisbourg. The study was carried out over the period of January to March 2021. The objective of this study is to thoroughly quantify...

Cape Breton Mountain Bike Tourism Action Plan

April 21, 2021

Mountain Biking is a lifestyle, sport, and healthy outlet. Mountain Biking is growing into a cornerstone of major economic growth in regions that are leveraging it properly. Communities all over the world are seeing economic and community revival, quality of health on the rise, and the influx of...

Retail Market Analysis – Cape Breton Regional Municipality

March 2, 2021

This study determines what new retail business and investment opportunities exist in the CBRM’s retail areas. The document includes a thorough review of the CBRM’s current retail inventory centred on the largest community of Sydney, and then estimates the realistic retail trade areas of Sydney...

Downtown Sydney Retail Market & Positioning Strategy

May 21, 2020

Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. was commissioned by the National Trust for Canada to conduct a Retail Market Analysis for Downtown Sydney and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The study was carried out over the period of January to April 2020. The objective of this study is to thoroughly...

Seasonal (Industry) Housing Study – Cape Breton Island

April 21, 2020

The Cape Breton Partnership commissioned A Study of the Housing Needs to Support the Growth and Sustainability of Seasonal Industries in Cape Breton (“the seasonal housing study”) in order to develop an understanding of the impacts that the lack of accommodations in the region is having on...

Barriers to Indigenous Female Entrepreneurs in Unama’ki – Cape Breton

July 21, 2019

In 2018, the Cape Breton Partnership undertook two research studies regarding women in entrepreneurship in Cape Breton and the barriers to success they face. One study looked at the female population at large in Cape Breton – Unama’ki, and one focused specifically on Indigenous female...

Enhancing Entrepreneurial Supports for Women Living and Working in Cape Breton

July 12, 2019

In 2018, the Cape Breton Partnership undertook two research studies regarding women in entrepreneurship in Cape Breton and the barriers to success they face. One study looked at the female population at large in Cape Breton – Unama’ki, and one focused specifically on Indigenous female...

Food For Thought: The Path Forward for Cape Breton’s Food Sector

December 1, 2018

The purpose of this strategy is to outline the challenges facing local food businesses and the entire sector, and to identify the opportunities and potential solutions that will allow them to grow. In a world of rapidly-evolving food technologies and trends, Cape Breton food businesses must keep...

Cape Breton Regional Municipality Creative Economy Growth Plan

June 27, 2017

In every part of the world, a growing number of cities are emerging as creative forces thanks to burgeoning arts and culture sectors. Based on the collective strength of their creative industries, these cities are driving new business, spurring innovation, attracting talent and investment and, in...

Culture Sector Strategy: Cape Breton Island

September 27, 2016

Developed by the Cape Breton Culture Leadership Team, this strategy aims to define the current Cape Breton culture sector and to provide a road map forward through priority initiatives designed to bring alignment with the recently released Nova Scotia Culture Action...