The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, officially opened the new Interpretation Centre at Greenwich, Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada. The Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) was also present at the ceremony.

"The opening of Greenwich, with this state-of-the-art Interpretation Centre, marks an important milestone for Parks Canada in protecting and presenting Canada's natural and cultural heritage for all time," said Minister Copps. "I want to thank all involved for their environmental and cultural stewardship, and for their willingness to share this special place with the world."

The Interpretation Centre is the final phase in a multi- stakeholder project, involving federal and provincial partners, which focussed on protecting the significant resources found in Greenwich within Prince Edward Island National Park.

"The new Interpretation Centre is an inspiring model of responsible tourism development. It makes it possible for visitors to enjoy and benefit from this beautiful area and to protect it at the same time," said Minister Thibault.

Visitors to Greenwich in 2001 will be able to visit the Interpretation Centre, three interpretive trails, and an award-winning beach day-use facility modeled on the principles of sustainable design. This park infrastructure responds to the wishes of Islanders by providing an appropriate level of service to visitors while ensuring resource protection and presentation.

"The official opening of Greenwich will bring new opportunities for sustainable tourism and economic development for the citizens of St. Peters and Prince Edward Island, which means jobs for Islanders," noted Minister MacAulay. "Greenwich is truly a jewel, one that will enrich all of our lives as we protect it for everyone to enjoy."

Catherine MacInnis-Gordon
Communications Officer	
ACOA PEI and Tourism	
Prince Edward Island			
(902) 368-0502

Danielle Gauthier		 			
Parks Canada		
(902) 566-7244

Jennifer Savoy					
Press Secretary						
Office of Hon. Robert Thibault			
(613) 941 7291