Rodd Crowbush Resort, the only five-star resort in Atlantic Canada was officially opened in Lakeside, Prince Edward Island today by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Premier Pat Binns and David Rodd, president and CEO, Rodd Hotels & Resorts.

Located on-site at the renowned Links at Crowbush Cove, the resort complex has 49 deluxe guestrooms and king suites as well as 32 one-and two-bedroom executive cottages. The Rodd Crowbush resort features fine dining, conference facilities and other amenities such as an indoor pool, outdoor whirlpool, tennis courts, fitness centre and access to Lakeside Beach.

"The Rodd Crowbush Resort is another fine example of a first-class development in a rural area of Prince Edward Island. In addition to attracting visitors to the area, the resort is also providing job opportunities,"said Minister MacAulay on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister for Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

There are 90 employees who are working at the resort which operates between May and October each year.

"The Provincial Government is a proud partner in this project. Not only will the Rodd Crowbush Resort be a welcome addition to the Island's famous tourism offerings, but it is also creating a considerable number of jobs for this area," said Premier Binns.

Rodd Hotels & Resorts is Atlantic Canada's largest privately owned hotel chain. During peak season more than 1,000 employees operate properties in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

"Rodd Hotels & Resorts takes great pride in its newest addition to our family - the Rodd Crowbush Golf and Beach Resort," states Mr. Rodd. The five-star rating received from Canada Select sets a standard that will reap benefits for the tourism industry throughout the Island."

Through its Business Development Program, ACOA provided a $500,000 repayable contribution for the $9 million project. Funding of $800,000 was provided by the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology. The Provincial Government provided a $1.78 million low interest loan to the project through the Department of Development and Technology.

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

Mary Ellen Dougan
Rodd Hotels & Resorts
(902) 629-2310

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

Shirley Pierce
HRDC
(902) 566-7456

Dennis King
Development and Technology
(902)368-6574