July 22, 2005
St. Peters, Prince Edward Island
The community of St. Peters was joined today by local MP
the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, local MLA the Honourable
Kevin MacAdam and the president of the St. Peters and Area
Development Corporation Ms. Evelyn MacKenzie to celebrate
the official opening of the St. Peters Landing.The project involved the construction of an Estuary
Interpretive Centre and also included retail market space.
The area offers a brilliant panoramic view of the bay and
river while interpretation exhibits highlight the
St. Peters Bay history as well as mussel and other
shellfish production. "The St. Peters Area Development Corporation is dedicated
to the social and economic success of the community; to
date they have carried out a number of successful projects
which continue to have a positive impact on the region's
economy," said Mr. MacAulay, Member of Parliament for
Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister
of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the
Honourable Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources
and Skills Development and Minister responsible for
Democratic Renewal. "The Corporation capitalized on the
history of St. Peters Bay and created a unique experience
for visitors with the interpretive centre. St. Peters
Landing is yet another reason for tourists and Islanders
alike to have extended visits in this area of eastern PEI.""The community has worked hard to recognize and develop the
unique and important assets of this beautiful area," said
Minister MacAdam, MLA for Morell-Fortune Bay, on behalf of
the provincial government. "The latest development, along
with Quigley Hall and the Bayside Landing, will add to what
has already been a significant economic boost for this
area. We have already seen a number of businesses sprout up
or expand as a result of the new developments and I am
confident this will provide an even greater boost for this
important tourism sector and for eastern Kings County."This development complements Bayside Landing, an attractive
day use park located in the area adjacent to the turn-off
to Souris. The Centre becomes another stop along a system
of trails and pedestrian bridges and creates a walking link
between the Visitor Information Centre and the community
core."The Interpretive centre is a welcomed addition to the
community; we are very excited to be celebrating the
official opening," said Ms Evelyn MacKenzie, president of
the St. Peters Area Development Corporation. "Quigley Hall
and the development of Bayside Landing have been successful
ventures for the community and we are confident that the
Interpretive Centre will be an immediate and future success
and it will generate important revenues for the area."The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) provided a
non-repayable contribution of $436,760 under the Strategic
Communities Investment Fund (SCIF) to the project. The
Canada/P.E.I. Labour Market Development Agreement, co-
managed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(HRSDC) and the provincial Department of Development and
Technology, contributed $214,240 toward participant wages
and overhead costs. The Province of Prince Edward Island
provided $50,000 through the Community Development Bureau.
A private donation of $50,000 was provided as a
contribution from the local community.
Ron Crozier
Office of the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency
(902) 888-4150
Ann Thurlow
Province of Prince Edward Island
(902) 569-0571
Evelyn MacKenzie
President, St. Peters and Area Development Corporation
(902) 961-2307
Stephen Ramsay
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(902) 566-7686
Danielle Gauthier
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 566-7569
