Summerside Takes a Close Look at its Tourism Potential
News Release
May 2, 2016 – Summerside, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Summerside, PEI, is taking steps to strengthen its reputation as a tourism destination. The City of Summerside and some key economic development partners, are developing a plan to integrate the downtown and waterfront areas with the goal of making it one of Atlantic Canada’s must-see tourism destinations. The Port of Summerside will also host a port readiness workshop to explore its potential as a destination for cruise ships. The workshop will take place May 3-4 and public consultations for the integration plan are scheduled to begin a couple of weeks later.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, 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 that the Government of Canada is investing a total of $45,000 in the waterfront-downtown redevelopment plan, and $10,252 in the port readiness workshop through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
The City and its partners, Downtown Summerside Inc., the Summerside Regional Development Corporation, and the Summerside Port Corporation, will determine the next steps following the completion of the redevelopment plan. A revitalized waterfront-downtown area could be a focal point for new economic development, new housing opportunities, new cultural attractions, educational institutions, and diverse recreational activities. A consultant has been hired by the Port to host the workshop and develop recommendations to attract cruise ships to the region. The city boasts many attractions and serves as the gateway to the rest of Prince County, including the North Cape Coastal Drive.
Quotes
“I applaud the vision and the effort of municipalities that work to take strategic advantage of their natural assets and build on them to create new economic opportunities. By supporting this integrated approach to tourism planning, ACOA is helping the City and the Port of Summerside by working in collaboration to build a strong base for future success.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“We have so much to offer visitors here in Prince County – from Summerside’s theatre and cultural attractions, to the Acadian Evangeline Region, to our beautiful coasts and bays all the way up to North Cape. There are hidden gems everywhere, just waiting to be discovered. I’m confident that once visitors discover what western PEI has to offer, they will keep on coming back for more.”
- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“The City of Summerside is PEI’s only bi-coastal community. We run from the north shore’s majestic Malpeque Bay, with its white sand dune beaches and red cliffs all the way to the warm waters and sandy shores of Bedeque Bay. Summerside is the quintessential maritime city and revitalizing our downtown core will create economic development and jobs. Enhancing our Port for cruise ships and their guests will showcase our sea side city and its natural environment. Our partnership with the Government of Canada is helping us to do just that. This investment will help Summerside rejuvenate and attract even more visitors to our charming sea side community.”
- His Worship Bill Martin, Mayor of the City of Summerside
“Our harbour is rich with history and our organization has a dedicated mission to lead waterfront development to further strengthen our economy. Gathering our stakeholders and local businesses to participate in this Port Readiness workshop is a great first step in considering and developing Summerside as a cruise destination.”
- Arnold Croken, President, Summerside Port Corporation Inc.
Associated Links
Contacts
Jana Parker
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-314-0874
Jana.parker@canada.ca
Joanne King
Communications Officer
City of Summerside
902-724-3252
902-786-7635
joanne.king@city.summerside.pe.ca
Arnold Croken
Summerside Port Corporation
902-432-6531
acroken@srdcpei.com
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