Eskasoni First Nation Adds Over 38 Acres to Reserve and Secures Funding for Retail Expansion
On March 5, 2026, officials announced the addition of over 38 acres to the Eskasoni First Nation reserve and provided funding to expand a local retail center, aiming to boost economic development in Cape Breton.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty and Chief Leroy Denny of Eskasoni First Nation made a joint announcement on March 5, 2026, regarding significant developments for the Mi’kmaw community located on Eastern Cape Breton Island. The announcements focused on land expansion and economic growth initiatives.
As part of the Additions to Reserve process, over 38 acres of land known as the McLaughlin Property were officially added to the Eskasoni First Nation reserve. This newly acquired land is designated for mixed residential and commercial purposes. The designation aims to support housing needs for growing families while simultaneously creating opportunities for business development within the community.
In addition to the land acquisition, Indigenous Services Canada provided $534,750 in funding to Eskasoni First Nation. This financial support comes from the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) and is intended to advance economic development in the Cape Breton region. Specifically, the funds will support the expansion of the existing community retail center to include a Dollarama store.
Eskasoni First Nation is home to more than 4,500 members situated along the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake. The combination of new reserve lands and retail expansion is expected to increase access to goods in the region, create job prospects, and strengthen the local economy.