The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Jim Bagnall, MLA for Montague-Kilmuir,on behalf of PEI's Minister for Development and Technology, the Honourable Mike Currie, today announced funding for the development of a conceptual design and business plan for the Three Rivers/Jean Pierre Roma site at Brudenell Point in Eastern Prince Edward Island.

"The Roma site at Brudenell Point in southern King's County is a significant heritage site of national importance," noted Mr. MacAulay. "The restoration of this site will preserve a part of our national heritage and will greatly expand on the many attractions already existing in this area, encouraging visitors to spend more time in eastern Prince Edward Island."

"It's great to see the community organizing to build on this important historic resource, "said Mr Bagnall. "The Roma site has the potential to be a major attraction for the area and it's good to see local people putting their efforts into promoting it."

Three Rivers Roma Inc., a not-for-profit organization established by interested members of the community to preserve and promote the historical, natural and archaeological integrity of the site, will manage the project. A study is now underway which will prepare the design and business plan in order to develop the park. "The Roma site is the earliest non-military French settlement on Prince Edward Island and it is anticipated that it can become one of PEI's most popular visitors' destinations once proper infrastructure and interpretation are in place." noted Barney Bree, Director and President of Three Rivers Roma, Inc.

The Roma site was the home of the first commercial enterprise in Prince Edward Island, or Isle St. Jean, as it was known in the 18th century. Jean Pierre Roma operated the diverse interests of the Compagnie de l'Est de l'Isle St. Jean from the small bustling settlement of Trois Riviérès established on this point in 1732. A century later, the Macdonald brothers, Angus & Hugh, used this same point of land as the base of their commercial interests in the Three Rivers area. Eight ships were built at their yard at Brudenell Point between 1821 and 1836. Hugh's son, Andrew Archibald, better known as one of the Fathers of Confederation, was born at the point in 1828.

While most of the past settlements have been reclaimed by forest and erosion, there have been a number of efforts to properly preserve the site. In 1938 the historical significance of the site was commemorated by the placement of a Historic Sites & Monuments Board of Canada cairn. In the 1960's Parks Canada undertook a major research and excavation project to document the remains of the Roma settlement and the Macdonald premises. Four seasons of excavation from 1968 to 1971 identified the structural remains of eight buildings associated with Roma's settlement in addition to the Macdonald's store, outbuilding and shipyards. The artifacts uncovered offer a unique perspective on the history of the site. The structural remains have been left intact and are particularly well suited for interpretation.

ACOA is providing $22,500 in funding for this project through its Business Development Program and the Department of Development and Technology is providing $7,500 through the Community Development Fund.

Corey Hobbs
Office of the Minister of State for ACOA
(613) 941-7241

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

Ann Thurlow
Department of Development and Technology
569-0571

Barney Bree
Three Rivers Roma, Inc.
838-3937