Enhancing Authentic Experiences for Visitors to Eastern PEI
News release
Funds support modernization at Lighthouse and Beach Motel in Souris
May 14, 2018 –Souris West, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Seasonal businesses in Souris have been successfully using the region’s charming qualities that attract visitors to the area year after year, such as its musical culture, famous beach, and its important link to the Magdalen Islands, to grow the local economy. To this end, the Government of Canada is making smart investments in Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry to help tourism operators develop and promote quality attractions that bring more visitors to our shores and create good middle-class jobs.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for 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 funding for the Lighthouse and Beach Motel.
The well-recognized landmark in Souris West, operated by Galbraith PEI Holdings Ltd., is receiving a repayable contribution of $138,791, provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program, to renovate its themed visitor cottage, as well as two efficiency units. The latest phase of renovations follows improvements made last year throughout the motel with the support of ACOA.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“Tourism is a major driver of the economy in PEI and across the Atlantic region, and building on the potential of the industry is a pillar of the Atlantic Growth Strategy. The Government of Canada supports entrepreneurs and growing businesses that are bringing new investment and new ideas to help strengthen the economy and create employment opportunities in rural communities.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Eastern PEI is a beautiful place to visit and home to a cherished way of life. I am pleased that the government recognizes the immense value in economic development that respects and enhances our rural qualities. This investment will help the Galbraiths modernize and improve their business, and is one of many steps being taken toward extending our tourism season and bringing more visitors to rural PEI.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“We are very pleased to receive additional funding from ACOA. The community support has been exceptional and we are happy to be building updated accommodations with the help of local suppliers for guests with friends and family in the area and those guests who just want to explore this part of the Island.”
Anne Galbraith, Director and Co-Owner, Galbraith PEI Holdings Ltd.
Quick facts
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Anne and Grant Galbraith purchased the Lighthouse and Beach Motel in the fall of 2015, and have since been investing in upgrading and reconfiguring the property to accommodate longer stays.
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Occupancy rates in PEI, including the Points East Coastal Drive and Souris Area, have been consistently rising in recent years. Travellers from Quebec and Ontario currently represent more than 50% of visitors to the Lighthouse and Beach Motel.
Associated links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Anne Galbraith
Galbraith PEI Holdings Ltd.
902-687-2339