Thanks to Federal and Provincial investments, recent upgrades to the East Point Lighthouse will enhance the experience of visitors to the site. Situated at the very tip of Eastern PEI, this historic beacon is a major tourism attraction for the area.
The Honourable Mike Duffy, Senator for Prince Edward Island (Cavendish), the Honourable Allan Campbell, PEI Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning and members of the Friends of Elmira Inc. toured the renovated facilities at East Point.
“Our government is pleased to partner with the Province of PEI and the Friends of Elmira Inc. to upgrade the services available at the East Point Lighthouse,” said Senator Duffy on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “These valuable upgrades will help enchance the site as a tourism destination and contribute to the local economy.” ACOA contributed $60,000 to the project, under the Community Adjustment Fund.
“With the East Point community taking on ownership of the East Point Lighthouse, we are pleased to work with our fellow Islanders to help them make the most of this historic and beautiful site,” said Minister Campbell. “It’s a key principle of the province’s Rural Action Plan to work with local groups as they build local tourism and create job opportunities.” The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning and the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, made a combined contribution of $159,968.
Since 2002, the Friends of Elmira Inc. have been operating the lighthouse on a lease basis with the Deparment of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). Early this year, DFO transferred ownership of the property to the not-for-profit corporation. Fourteen people are seasonally employed at the well-known attraction.
“We are thrilled with our recent renovations,” said Valerie Flannery, Board of Directors Chair for the Friends of Elmira Inc. “With support from the federal and provincial governments, we were able to accomplish crucial upgrades that will keep this site attractive, popular and lucrative for many years to come.” The Friends of Elmira Inc. added $23,350 to the project.
To further enhance the site’s reputation as a popular tourism attraction, a number of site upgrades have been completed. The foghorm building has been expanded to increase the capacity of the café and craft shop and an observation tower has been added. New fully accessible washrooms have been integrated into the site design. The septic system was also brought up to code to support the increased visitation.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Thanks to Federal and Provincial investments of nearly $220,000, recent upgrades to the East Point Light House and have improved the site to better serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. Situated at the very tip of Eastern PEI, this historic beacon is a major tourist attraction for the area.
The Honourable Mike Duffy, Senator for Prince Edward Island (Cavendish), the Honourable Allan Campbell, PEI Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, members of the Friends of Elmira Inc., toured the renovated facilities today.
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INFORMATION:
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-368-0264
Ron Ryder
Communications Officer
Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning
902-620-3774
Valerie Flannery
Board of Directors Chair for the Friends of Elmira Inc.
902-357-2420
