23 January 2009
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced federal government contributions totaling more than $1.5 million to revitalize the Summerside Raceway.
"The historic Summerside Raceway has been a gathering point for Islanders for 120 years, said Minister Shea. "This Government of Canada investment will further enhance and help expand the horse industry on PEI, providing social and economic benefits across the province."
"Our government is committed to working with its provincial and community partners to support Canadians in difficult times and help contribute to their quality of life," said Minister Finley. "This project not only creates jobs for unemployed Canadians today, it will help the City of Summerside develop its vision for the future." The current buildings at the historic raceway park are to be demolished and replaced with an eighty stall stable and a new multi-use facility equipped with 66 shipping stalls; washrooms, wash, bath and test stalls; and tack and feed rooms.
The City of Summerside has developed long-term plans to grow the horse industry on PEI, and more specifically, in Prince County. The city envisions the Summerside Equine Centre as being able to cater to a variety of events.
"The City of Summerside is pleased to support this much needed revitalization for the harness racing industry," said Mayor Stewart. "This multi-million dollar project will not only benefit the harness racing industry, but the tourism industry as well as the construction through job creation."
Work is expected to begin before the end of January 2009, and be completed by July of this year. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, through its Innovative Communities Fund, is contributing $1.1 million and Service Canada is providing $485,000 for the demolition of the existing horse buildings and the construction of the new stables and multi-use facility.
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation has a key role to play in the overall completion of the full Summerside Raceway revitalization. Atlantic Lottery has engaged in a joint venture with the City of Summerside to and will provide a capital investment in excess of $2 million towards a new racing facility and entertainment centre.
"Islanders are passionate about harness racing. So is ALC. Our facilities at the CDPEC are one example of this," said Atlantic Lottery Vice-President Joel Irvine. "We are excited to announce that ALC will establish a tenancy agreement with the City of Summerside to conduct and manage the gaming facility within the grandstand."
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Summerside Raceway will soon undergo a major revitalization. Today, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans along with Summerside Mayor, Basil Stewart; Joel Irvine, Vice-President of Sales and Customer Service with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, and Barry Bigger, representing the Prince County Horsemen’s Association today announced Government of Canada Contributions totaling $1,585,000. Atlantic Lottery announced its capital investment which is in excess of $2 million towards a new racing facility and entertainment centre
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INFORMATION:
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI and Tourism
902 368-0264
Brian Hawrylak
City of Summerside
902 432-1288
Tracy Kenney
Manager, Corporate Communications
Atlantic Lottery Corporation
506 867 5943
