Club History
How did BGC Cape Breton start?
BGC Cape Breton has been located in the community for more than 30 years in one form or another and continues to grow with the support of a strong staff, board of directors, and the community (Whitney Pier and beyond). Whitney Pier plays a major role as a community but our values and facilities are open to all. BGC Cape Breton is home to hundreds of youth/children who are in search of somewhere to belong.
Whitney Pier's Formation

Sydney Police Boys and Girls Club
Whitney Pier Youth Club (WPYC)
BGC Cape Breton

Whitney Pier's Formation
Whitney Pier is a neighborhood with a rich history deeply connected to multiculturalism, community sense, and belonging. The story of Whitney Pier is intertwined with the development of the steel industry in Cape Breton.
Industrial Beginnings
The foundation of Whitney Pier as a community began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the establishment of the Sydney Steel Plant. The plant attracted workers from various parts of the world, leading to a diverse population. Immigrants from Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, Italy, and other regions came to work in the steel mills, bringing their unique cultures, traditions, and languages with them.
Multiculturalism
The influx of immigrants created a melting pot of cultures in Whitney Pier. This diversity is still evident today in the community’s cultural institutions, churches, and social clubs. The neighborhood has places of worship for various religious denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches, reflecting the varied backgrounds of its residents. Additionally, cultural clubs and organizations were established to help preserve the heritage and traditions of different ethnic groups.
Community Sense and Belonging
Despite the challenges of language barriers and cultural differences, the residents of Whitney Pier developed a strong sense of community. The shared experience of working in the steel industry and the common goal of building a better life in Canada fostered a sense of solidarity among the diverse population. Community events, festivals, and social gatherings became important ways for people to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage while also forging a collective identity.
Modern-Day Whitney Pier
Today, Whitney Pier remains a testament to the power of multiculturalism and community. With a population of over 4,000, the neighborhood is proud of its diverse heritage and continues to celebrate its history through various cultural events and initiatives. The Whitney Pier Historical Society, for example, plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the area’s rich cultural history.
Whitney Pier’s story is one of how a community can thrive through diversity, mutual support, and a strong sense of belonging, making it a unique and vibrant part of Cape Breton’s cultural landscape.



Photos provided by Beaton Institute.
– Coretta Scott King
Sydney Police Boys and Girls Club
The Sydney Police Boys and Girls Club was established with the backing of the Sydney Police Department to provide a positive environment for local youth. The club quickly became a cornerstone of the Sydney community, offering young people a safe space to engage in activities, build relationships, and develop essential life skills. Over the years, it gained a reputation for empowering youth and fostering personal growth.
Whitney Pier Youth Club Society (WPYC)
The Whitney Pier Youth Club Society was created to serve the unique needs of youth in Whitney Pier, a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood. Recognizing the challenges faced by the community, the WPYC provided a safe and inclusive space where young people could receive mentorship, participate in educational and recreational programs, and feel a strong sense of belonging. The club became a vital resource in Whitney Pier, known for its commitment to helping local youth reach their potential.
BGC Cape Breton
BGC Cape Breton emerged from the unification of the Sydney Police Boys and Girls Club and the Whitney Pier Youth Club Society under the BGC Canada umbrella, formerly Boys and Girls Club of Canada. This strategic alignment was motivated by a shared vision to enhance the support and opportunities available to Cape Breton’s youth. While BGC Cape Breton retains the same foundational mission of nurturing and empowering young people, joining the larger BGC Canada network has provided access to a broader range of resources, programs, and expertise. This transition represents both continuity and growth—continuity in the commitment to the youth and families of Cape Breton, and growth in the capacity to meet their evolving needs.
About the BGC name: Removing gender from our name modernizes the BGC brand and echoes the inclusive practices we’re known for, without straying too far from our history and brand awareness. It also embraces the fact that we serve young people of all ages, backgrounds and identities.
BGC Cape Breton continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity in the community, offering safe, supportive spaces where children and youth can thrive. Looking to the future, BGC Cape Breton aims to expand its reach, ensuring that every young person in the region has the opportunity to discover their potential and achieve their dreams. The club remains dedicated to its mission while embracing new possibilities, with the goal of creating a brighter future for all the youth it serves.
We Could Use Your Help!
BGC Cape Breton provides safe, supportive spaces where youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life. We rely heavily on funding to reach these goals and to keep our costs low for our families.
Opportunity Changes Everything!