Evangeline Region Prepares to Welcome the World!
News Release
Local organization making plans to host 2019 World Acadian Congress
December 20, 2016 – Abram Village, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Evangeline region, which encompasses 14 Acadian and francophone communities in Western PEI, is getting ready to welcome the world in 2019. L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien de la région Évangéline inc., the non-profit organization that promotes Acadian culture, agriculture, and artistry in the region, is busy with plans to build new infrastructure to better position Prince Edward Island to co-host the 6th World Acadian Congress in August 2019.
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), and also on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today joined Sonny Gallant, MLA for Evangeline – Miscouche, and representatives from L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien to announce new infrastructure funding and other project details.
The Government of Canada will contribute a total of $675,289 for the construction of three new buildings and a covered outdoor performance stage in Abram Village to host various events in 2019. A $498,586 non-repayable contribution is being provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), while the Department of Canadian Heritage will invest $176,703 through its Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Funding will support improvements such as: a room for a new permanent exhibition to showcase artefacts and the history of the exposition and festival, an exterior platform, and the purchase of audio-visual and sound systems. The Government of Prince Edward Island will contribute $15,000 through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Community Development Fund. The new buildings will house an exhibition of the history of the Agricultural Exhibition and the Acadian Festival, tourism businesses, display space for local artisans, and culinary facilities, while the new stage will include lighting and sound equipment. The project also includes a new security system, parking, pedestrian walkways, and landscaping.
Quotes
“The rich history, culture and traditions remain strong and vibrant in the Evangeline region, and this lends well both socially and economically. As volunteers and organizers start to get excited about hosting the 6th Annual World Acadian Congress in 2019, the preparation work to be carried out will enhance the region’s tourism potential for many years to come.”
- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to contribute to this project that will enhance the Evangeline region’s ability to celebrate their Acadian heritage. Each year the Acadian Festival draws thousands of Islanders and tourists to this small rural community in western P.E.I. to celebrate this rich piece of our Island history and culture. This funding announcement will ensure these important traditions will be sustainable into the future.”
- The Honourable Alan McIsaac, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
“We are very pleased to receive this funding from the federal and provincial governments, and we are ready to get the work underway to create a multi-purpose festival site. L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien has a long history having started some 115 years ago and continues to play a significant role in maintaining and developing the Acadian culture in this area. Village Musical continues to be a significant cultural gathering spot for locals and visitors to enjoy and celebrate authentic Acadian traditions. We are thrilled to complement this complex with additional infrastructure that will attract even more people to the beautiful Evangeline Region.”
- Alcide Bernard, President, L'Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien de la région Évangéline inc.
Associated Links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
Amber Nicholson
Senior Communications Officer
Communications PEI
902-368-5286
Alcide Bernard
L’Exposition agricole et le Festival acadien
902-432-2425
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