Lennox Island gets Community Infrastructure Upgrades

Mi’Kmaq community aims to increase tourism traffic with community and cultural site improvements
 
January 18, 2017 – Lennox Island, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
 
The Lennox Island Development Corporation is embarking on a project to upgrade community, tourism and cultural infrastructure to help increase visitation to the First Nation community of approximately 450 residents.  The corporation was formed in 2006 to further economic development on Lennox Island, a community which, as demonstrated through archeological evidence, dates back more than 10,000 years.

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), together with Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Alan McIsaac, today announced support for the community infrastructure improvements. The Government of Canada, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), is providing a $34,891 contribution. The Government of Prince Edward Island will provide $5,000 towards repairs and upgrades through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Community Development Program.

The installation of a permanent roof over the main ceremonial ground, upgrades to signage around community buildings and an expansion of the stage area used for various events and tourism activities are among the improvements to be completed through this project. In addition, the Island’s community centre, the Fisherman’s Pride building, will receive a new roof and exterior repairs.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to help the Lennox Island Development Corporation make upgrades to existing cultural and community facilities which will be viewed with pride for many years to come. This project builds on our commitment to invest in initiatives that promote a clean- growth economy, have a positive impact on communities and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.”

- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to assist the Lennox Island community with necessary repairs to several existing buildings that provide essential services to their residents, as well as to some of their cultural and tourism venues. It is important that we celebrate the Mi'kmaq culture and traditions and we see this project as an investment in the economic prosperity of residents of Lennox Island First Nations.”

- The Honourable Alan McIsaac, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries

“We continuously look for opportunities to promote Lennox Island as a must-see tourism destination. One of our priorities over the past several years has been focusing on the required improvements and enhancements to our existing products to ensure our guests enjoy their time on our beautiful Island.”

- Chief Matilda Ramjattan, Lennox Island First Nation

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Canada 150: Join the Celebration
• Lennox Island Development Corporation

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director of Communications

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569

Amber Nicholson
Senior Communications Officer
Communications PEI
902-368-5286
 
Mike Randall
Executive Director
Lennox Island Development Corporation
902-831-2770