28 August 2009
Souris, Prince Edward Island
SOURIS (PE) – August 28, 2009 – Agri-food, seafood and fishing businesses in Prince Edward Island, or those looking to set up in PEI, will gain a competitive edge with the official grand opening today of the cold storage facility located in the Souris Food Park. The opening was officiated today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and Denis Thibodeau, Chairman of the Souris Harbour Authority Inc.
“This project is a great example of government and community partnering to bring new business to communities like Souris,” said Minister Ashfield. “The Government of Canada’s investments in infrastructure-related projects like this one keep our communities vibrant and strong.”
“Eastern Cold Storage is an excellent investment for the Government of Prince Edward Island because it supports our primary processors and our fishermen by giving them access to freezer storage in a cost-efficient, state-of-the-art facility,” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “It will also strengthen our rural communities by creating further economic development opportunities in Eastern Kings.”
The federal and provincial government invested $1.5 million into the new facility that has a capacity for five million pounds of cold storage, plus two 20,000-pound blast freezers. The new facility is available to a variety of users including seafood processors on Prince Edward Island and nearby Isles de la Madeleine, as well as fishermen, fruit and vegetable processors in the area.
“The Souris Harbour Authority is very proud to be opening this new business venture at the Souris Food Park,” said Denis Thibodeau. “This facility that just began operations one month ago is already two thirds full because of the identified demand for this service and our customers’ belief that we can provide a state of the art facility and service.” Souris Harbour Authority Inc. thanks their customers and the provincial and federal governments for their confidence and support in the Authority.
The total investment in the facility is $3 million. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency provided a $500,000 repayable loan through its Business Development Program. The provincial government contributed $1,000,000 towards the project. SHAI and its commercial lender, the Bank of Nova Scotia, invested $1,500,000.
A new cold storage facility officially opened its doors in the Souris Food Park today. ACOA Minister of State Keith Ashfield and the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, along with Denis Thibodeau, President of the Souris Harbour Authority Inc were on hand for the grand opening.
The new 23,000 square foot facility is available to a variety of users including seafood processors on Prince Edward Island and nearby Isles de la Madeleine, as well as fishermen, fruit and vegetable processors in the area.
Funding was provided for the project by both the federal and provincial governments, including a $500,000 loan from ACOA and $1 million from the provincial government. The Souris Harbour Authority invested $1.5 million in the $3 million project.
Rebecca Bruce
ACOA PEI and Tourism
902-368-0264
Kim Devine
Communications
Innovation and Advanced learning
902-620-3774
Gerry Gallant
Business Development
Souris Harbour Authority
902-628-9870
