27 September 2004 Brudenell Point, Prince Edward Island The Roma at Three Rivers historic site and nature trail were officially opened today at Brudenell Point. The project, which includes the establishment of gates and fencing, a parking lot, washrooms, a cooking shelter, stabilization of the shoreline bank and the initial stages of the development of a nature and heritage trail, is managed by Three Rivers Roma Inc. This community organization is a non-profit group that has worked to develop this site into a significant historical, archeological and educational destination for locals and tourists. The site work completed to date is helping bring to life the stories of the 18th century French settlers who established the first commercial enterprise on Prince Edward Island in 1732. Taking part in today=s Opening were the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Member of Parliament for Cardigan; Jim Bagnall, MLA for Montague-Kilmuir; and Edgar Dewar, Chair of Three Rivers Roma Inc. "This site at Brudenell Point is an important element in the further development of the tourism industry for eastern Prince Edward Island," said Mr. MacAulay, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). "The Government of Canada is very pleased to support such a worthwhile initiative that will ensure the preservation of the site and to promote the story of one of PEI's earliest settlements for the benefit of Islanders and visitors alike." "For over 70 years, this spot has been recognized as a national historic site. But for most of us, that didn't mean anything more than a sign along the highway," said Jim Bagnall, MLA for Montague-Kilmuir, representing Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie and Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea. "But the Three Rivers Roma Committee saw the potential of the site - they saw the chance to celebrate a rich and important part of our heritage. I congratulate them on their great achievement." "We are so pleased to see the months of planning and building develop into a captivating historical tourism site for Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy" said Edgar Dewar. "The financial support our group has received from the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island has made it possible for us to establish a marvellous site that allows us to share and promote this area's history." The Roma at Three Rivers project was made possible with assistance from a number of partners. ACOA, through the Strategic Community Investment Fund, contributed $416,234; the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by HRSDC and the provincial Department of Development and Technology, provided $116,180; the Department of Transportation and Public Works has leased the land to the community group; and the Province of PEI's Community Development Bureau, has contributed $50,000. The Fête Roma event which took place over the weekend was made possible with the additional funding support of ACOA. - 30 - Ron Crozier Office of the Minister for ACOA (902) 888-4150 Ann Thurlow Development & Technology (902) 569-0571 Stephen Ramsay Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (902) 566-7686 Edgar Dewar Chair, Three Rivers Roma Inc. 902-838-4590 Wes Harrison ACOA PEI & Tourism (902) 368-0842 wes.harrison@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
