The Wood Islands and Area Development Corporation, together with the federal and provincial governments, today announced a major new development for the area. It will be located approximately one half kilometer from the ferry terminal at Wood Islands at the intersection of Route 4 and the Trans Canada Highway.

The development will feature a new Visitor Information Centre, a building that will be leased by the province for a new liquor store, as well as retail shops and a community room. Surrounding the buildings will be a boardwalk, landscaped grounds and a gazebo.

"In addition to creating more jobs in the area, this project will attract more visitors to eastern PEI and encourage them to spend more time here," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, representing the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). "The Government of Canada is pleased to contribute to development in Wood Islands; this project will greatly enhance the local tourism infrastructure and enable 500,000 ferry passengers, and other visitors, to enjoy the great hospitality in eastern PEI."

""Our government continues to be committed to creating jobs for Islanders by strengthening and developing communities," said Premier Pat Binns. "We are pleased to be a partner in this community-driven project which will enhance the growing tourism industry in this province."

The new complex will be an anchor for the Eastern Kings area, attracting tourists from the Northumberland Ferry service and other parts of Prince Edward Island, as well as promoting Eastern Queens and Kings counties as tourist destinations.

"The community of Wood Islands and area gratefully acknowledge the support from the federal and provincial governments in supporting our vision for a strong and flourishing community," said John Rousseau, chairperson of the Wood Islands and Area Development Corporation.

He also encourages area residents to attend the upcoming open houses at the Wood Islands and Area Development Corporation office located at Meadow Lodge. There are open houses planned for February 12 and March 5 from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm, and on February 19 and March 26 from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

The Wood Islands and Area Development Corporation will contribute $200,000. ACOA is providing $300,000 through the Business Development Program; $271,000 has been approved through the Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, a co-managed agreement between HRDC and the provincial Department of Development and Technology. The Province of Prince Edward Island also contributed $198,000 under the Community Development Program, $246,000 through the Regional Development Support Program and $257,000 from the Department of Transportation and Public Works for the land and highway enhancements.

Jim Richards Human 
Resources Development Canada
(902) 566-7686	

Catherine MacInnis-Gordon 
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(902) 368-0502

Dennis King
Department of Development and Technology
(902) 368-6574	

Thom MacMillan
Wood Islands and Area Development Corporation
(902) 962-2022

Peter Graham
Office of the Hon. Gerry Byrne
(613) 941-7241