Three new community economic development projects in the King’s County area will soon move forward, thanks to investments made by Canada’s New Government and the Government of Prince Edward Island. Details were announced during an event to celebrate the completion of the Georgetown multi-use building on the town’s waterfront by the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, Province of Prince Edward Island.

Funding will be provided to the Provincial Plowing Match and Agricultural Fair for a new building, the Community of Cardigan will upgrade four ball fields in its recreation complex; and the Souris Harbour Authority will research and recommend economic prospects for the port of Souris.

“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of Kings County,” said Minister Thompson, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Today we are celebrating the completion of the new waterfront building and highlighting three new projects that will also benefit the Kings County area.”

"The Province of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner with community groups and other levels of government to improve Island communities," said Minister Currie. "Strong vibrant communities are the core of Prince Edward Island’s strength, and these projects will be a great benefit for the people of eastern PEI.

Project partners are contributing more than $325,000 towards the construction of a 4,000 square foot multi- purpose building in Dundas for the Provincial Plowing Match and Agricultural Fair. Canada’s New Government is contributing more than $240,000 through Service Canada and ACOA, the Province of PEI is providing $60,000 through its Community Development Fund and the project proponent is providing $25,000. The project will be completed by late July 2007.

Canada’s New Government, the Province of PEI and the municipality of Cardigan will each contribute $55,000 towards the costs associated with upgrading the community’s four ball fields. The more than $165,000 is made available through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal-Rural Infrastructure Fund

The Souris Harbour Authority is examining long-term development opportunities to complement and enhance the marine infrastructure at the Port of Souris. ACOA has contributed $20,000, the PEI Department of Development and Technology has provided $10,000 and the Authority has contributed $30,000 to the project, which will be completed by the end of the year.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Three new community economic development projects in the King’s County area are moving forward, thanks to investments made by Canada’s New Government and the Government of Prince Edward Island. Details were announced during an event to celebrate the completion of the Georgetown multi-use building on the town’s waterfront by the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Mike Currie, Province of Prince Edward Island.

Funding will be provided to the Provincial Plowing Match and Agricultural Fair for a 4,000 square foot multi-purpose building in Dundas; the Community of Cardigan will upgrade four ball fields in its recreation complex; and the Souris Harbour Authority will research and recommend economic prospects for the port of Souris.

Lynn MacDonald			
ACOA PEI and Tourism
902-566-7491

Major Stewart
PEI Department of Development and Technology
902-620-3552

Autumn Tremere
PEI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs
902 368-0033

Gordon Lavers
Georgetown and Area Development Corporation
902-652-2696

George Matheson
Provincial Plowing Match and Agricultural Fair
902-583-2340

Eddie MacAulay
Community of Cardigan
902-583-2528

Denis Thibodeau
Souris Harbour Authority Inc.
902-687-1319

Stephen Ramsay
Service Canada
902-566-7686 

Project Backgrounders

Georgetown Multi-Use Building

The Georgetown Area Development Corporation (GADC) completed the multi-use building in the fall of 2006. Its design is modeled after a former train station and features railway exhibits and interpretive displays, and a leaseable space for a restaurant. It will operate from June to October each year. The project also included beach improvements and a lighted link to the Confederation Trail. ACOA provided $500,000 through the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). The Province of PEI contributed $50,000 under its Community Development Fund and $20,000 through Transportation and GADC contributed $30,000. Service Canada contributed $94,123 through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (www.lmda.pe.ca).

Provincial Plowing Match and Agricultural Fair

A project is now underway to construct a 4,000 square foot multi-purpose building in Dundas which will increase capacity for the Dundas Plowing Match exhibition and will be available for other community events. A removable wall will be included within the facility so that approximately 1,600 sq. ft. will be heated for year-round use. The building will be attached to the dining hall which houses a newly renovated kitchen. Total project costs are $326,472 with Service Canada contributing $191,472 through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (www.lmda.pe.ca). ACOA is contributing $50,000 through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and the Province of PEI is providing $60,000 through its Community Development Fund. The Provincial Plowing Match is providing $25,000. The project will be completed by late July 2007.

Community of Cardigan

This project will provide the necessary upgrades to four ballfields in the recreation complex in Cardigan and allow for continued growth of the sport and increased use of the facility. Improvements include upgrades to the field surface, new fencing, dugouts, bleachers, parking lot and washroom facilities. Total cost of the project is $166,500. Under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal-Rural Infrastructure Fund, the federal and provincial governments along with the Community of Cardigan will each contribute $55,500. Weather permitting, work will begin on the project immediately.

Souris Harbour Authority Inc.

The Souris Harbour Authority (SHAI) is examining long-term development opportunities to complement and enhance the marine infrastructure at the Port of Souris. Work has begun on a series of studies to assess, research and recommend economic and business prospects for the port.

SHAI took over ownership and operations of the port and harbour after divestiture from Transport Canada in March 2006. The property it manages includes five wharves, breakwater, a transit shed, a former Coast Guard building, approach roads, adjacent lands and harbour bed totaling 460 hectares.

A sub-committee of SHAI known as the Souris Harbour Business Development has been established to oversee the study.

ACOA is contributing $20,000, the PEI Department of Development and Technology is providing $10,000 and SHAI is contributing $30,000 to the project which will be completed by the end of the year.