The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, MP for Cardigan; the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology; and, Randy Angus, Chair of the Cardigan Communities Development Association Inc. today announced details of the Cardigan Waterfront Development which is expected to open during the 2003 tourism season.

The project includes plans for marina expansion, wharf renovations, dredging and the construction of an interpretive centre with commercial rental space. The interpretive centre will also include a historical display and will help educate visitors on Cardigan and the surrounding area.

"This new development will be an important and unique attraction for eastern Prince Edward Island and one that incorporates a number of elements including boating, eco- tourism and cultural appreciation. It will be another great reason for visitors to come to this community, creating economic spin-offs for the entire area," said Mr. MacAulay on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

"The people in this area have identified this development as important for this community and they have worked long and hard to make it a reality. We hope this will creates a climate that will encourage even more investment in this area, " said Minister Currie, commenting on the project on behalf of this ministry and for the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

"Our primary mandate is to facilitate a climate within the Cardigan area that encourages a socially, environmentally and economically healthy community while maintaining its natural beauty. This project fully satisfies that mandate," stated Randy Angus, Chair of the Cardigan Communities Development Association.

The Department of Development and Technology provided community development assistance to the people of the area by helping them to form a development association and to identify worthwhile projects.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works provided funding as well as engineering and design expertise.

The Cardigan Communities Development Association Inc. is receiving a $386,583 contribution from ACOA's Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) and $79,957 from 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 Province of PEI is contributing $169,000 to the project. The Village of Cardigan is also providing $50,000.

SCIF provides $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages the development of strategic sectors such as tourism. This fund, administered by ACOA, is a component of the $700 million Atlantic Investment Partnership (AIP). This five-year Government of Canada initiative is designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge- based economy.

Wes Harrison
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 368-0842

Ann Thurlow
Province of Prince Edward Island
(902) 569-0571

Stephen Ramsay
HRDC
(902) 566-7686

Randy Angus
Cardigan Waterfront Development Committee
(902) 629-6765

Rachel Sullivan
Office of the Hon. Gerry Byrne
(613) 941-7241

The Cardigan Waterfront Development project was specifically identified as a key strategic initiative in ACOA's recently announced Five Year Economic Development Strategy For Eastern Prince Edward Island announced in April 2002.

Development of the Cardigan Waterfront will complement the numerous tourist attractions in eastern PEI, such as:

the Greenwich Prince Edward Island National Park and Interpretation Centre;

the Montague Waterfront Development;

the St. Peter's Development Project;

the Matthew & McLean Building in Souris;

the Cardigan Fish Hatchery;

the golf academy at Brudenell River Provincial Park; and,

the Brudenell River and Dundarave golf courses.