The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Cardigan today announced that the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will be contributing $222,280 for the completion of renovations to the Matthew and McLean Building in Souris.

Minister MacAulay announced the funding, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), which will be used to restore the second floor of the building to accommodate a heritage display and approximately 2,000 square feet of rental space.

"Since the restored Matthew and McLean building opened last summer, it has become a focal point in the Souris region. The region has a rich history and the heritage display area will help to tell that story to visitors," said Minister MacAulay. "Completing the renovations to the upper level of the building will further enhance revitalization efforts in the area."

Current tenants in the building's lower level include a Visitor Information Centre, Avalanche Restaurant and the Lighthouse Craft and Gift store. The property surrounding the building includes much needed parking for the downtown.

The project is being coordinated by the Souris Downtown Revitalization Committee, a subcommittee of the Eastern Kings Community Enhancement Corporation. This not-for- profit community group was formed in 1999 with a mandate to develop projects to enhance the community.

"The Matthew and McLean project has been good news for the town and the Eastern Kings area. We look forward to having the next phase completed," said Mayor James Hughes, Town of Souris.

"The heritage display is an exciting component of the building. We are asking the community to continue their support and we invite residents to provide a list of artifacts that they would consider contributing to the display," said Richard Deveau, chair, Souris Downtown Revitalization Committee. "Businesses interested in the new rental space can contact us for further information."

The elegant structure was originally constructed as a general store in 1869 by local entrepreneurs John McLean and Uriah Matthews. It served as a commercial centre for the development of eastern P.E.I. for more than 100 years. Upon closing, the Winterhalder family bought the property and operated a successful department store for over 20 years until the mid-1990s. The restored Matthew and McLean building was re-opened in July 2001.

The current project is expected to be completed by June 2002.

Lynn MacDonald
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 566-7491

Peter A.H. Graham
Office of the Hon. Gerry Byrne
(613) 957-9959