The historic Three Rivers/Jean Pierre Roma site, home of the first major commercial enterprise in Prince Edward Island, is receiving funding from the federal government to help develop its tremendous tourism potential and to stabilize its shoreline, seriously damaged by Hurricane Juan last September.

Phase one of the project will also see improvements that will include the addition of washrooms and a picnic shelter, as well as nature and historic trails through the 110-acre site. Three Rivers Roma Inc., the non-profit group managing the site, expects that these upgrades will make the Roma site an attractive destination for tourists. “I am very pleased that the federal government is providing more than $500,000 in funding to ensure the preservation of the site and to promote the story of one of PEI’s earliest settlements for the benefit of Islanders and visitors alike,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P. for Cardigan, on behalf of the Government of Canada. “The development of this national historic site will become a major and important tourist destination for the Montague area”.

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 over the years. 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 Jean Pierre Roma's settlement in addition to the more recent, 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.

Three Rivers Roma Inc., a not-for-profit organization established to preserve and promote the historical, natural and archaeological integrity of the site, will manage the project. Last year, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) helped fund a study for the group to prepare the design and business plan for this project.

“Planning has been underway for quite some time and the work has just begun, but it’s a big thrill for us to see that we’ve received this significant support from the Government of Canada to help us realize the goal we set out so many months ago,” noted Edgar Dewar. “We’ve been able to begin work already and we look forward to the project being completed by mid-summer. This and future phases of the development will transform Brudenell Point into a major historic and nature attraction for the quiet enjoyment of both locals and visitors”.

The site was the home of the first commercial enterprise in Prince Edward Island. 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 Riviéres 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.

ACOA is contributing $416,234 to the project through its Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), is contributing $95,416 for wages and capital costs. Three Rivers Roma Inc. will contribute $10,000.

Stephen Heckbert
Office of the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities 
Agency
(613) 948-7293

Lou Ann Thomson
Three Rivers Roma, Inc.
(902) 652-2085

Shirley Pierce
Human Resources and Skills Development
(902) 566-7456
shirley.pierce@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Wes Harrison
ACOA PEI & Tourism
(902) 368-0842
wes.harrison@acoa-apeca.gc.ca