Naufrage Tourism Plan Begins
News Release
April 20, 2016 – Naufrage, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The coastal community of Naufrage boasts spectacular views of the coast and a thriving commercial fishery based in its protected harbour. As an authentic seaside destination it has tremendous tourism appeal. Community-minded folks knew however, that infrastructure upgrades were in order for a number of the area’s cultural assets. A number of residents and members of the Naufrage Harbour Authority came together to form the Friends of the Shipwreck Point Lighthouse Inc., a non-profit group with a goal of promoting tourism and supporting business development through its tourism development plan.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament (Cardigan), on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced a non-repayable contribution to the group in the amount of $76,295, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
Phase one of the group’s tourism plan includes the creation of a commercial kiosk, a new deck and pergola attaching to the existing harbour authority office. To encourage visitors to stay and explore the area, a new picnic gazebo will be built with a new recycling receptacle and decking overlooking the beach. The group will also upgrade the historic schoolhouse in the area. The school was originally constructed in 1854; it still houses original furniture and remains one of the oldest school buildings in PEI.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada understands that public investment is an important catalyst that will spur economic growth, job creation and prosperity. We will continue to work in collaboration with local communities and non-profit sector organizations like the Friends of Shipwreck Point Lighthouse Inc. This group knows best what strengths to build on to attract more visitors to this beautiful region of Prince Edward Island.
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“Canada’s economic success comes from its strong communities, and the dedicated and passionate residents who work to make them thrive. Community projects require partnerships, and I am pleased to announce our contribution in the Friends of Shipwreck Point Lighthouse for the group to carry out phase one of its tourism vision and plans.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“The communities in this region of the North Shore have experienced a great deal of depopulation both with youth and seniors; our group’s proactive planning and focus is on revitalization of the Naufrage area,” said Kelly Stephen. “Through the generosity of the Northside Windmill Enhancement Fund (NWEF) and ACOA, these projects to encourage business investment have been made possible.”
- Kelly Stephen, Project Manager, Friends of Shipwreck Point Lighthouse Inc.
Associated Links
Contacts
Christopher Brooks
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Kelly Stephen
Friends of Shipwreck Point Inc.
902-215-0932
Background
“Naufrage,” French for “shipwreck”, is named after a particular shipwreck in 1719. This natural and rustic harbour destination is located in northeastern PEI. The community is built around a well-protected, active fishing harbour that is home to over seventy fishing vessels during the commercial lobster and tuna seasons.
The Naufrage Tourism Development Plan identified the area as having a high potential to succeed in cultural and ecotourism development because of its authentic coastal location which generates consumer appeal. The community also has natural assets that could be packaged as experiential opportunities highlighting Scottish and French culture and history, with a tie in to the local seafood culinary offerings.
The Friends of Shripwreck Point Lighthouse intend to have its Tourism Development Plans completed for the Naufrage 300th anniversary celebrations in 2019.
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