8 June 2011
CHARLOTTETOWN , Prince Edward Island
The Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) is undertaking improvements to the Confederation Trail thanks to assistance provided by the federal and provincial governments. The improvements will provide a more enjoyable recreational experience for residents and visitors.
“Our Government understands the key role tourism plays in Atlantic Canada’s economy,” said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ACOA and Minister of State for La Francophonie. “We are pleased to support initiatives like the improvements to the Confederation Trail, which promote healthy living, recreation and tourism in our region.”
The Confederation Trail is receiving improvements this summer which will make the trail more enjoyable for residents and visitors. These upgrades include washrooms, new signage and interpretation panels. The trail will also have a more interactive component for users, including day trips along the trail, “how to use the trail” information, cycling maps and hiking excursions.
“The Prince Edward Island government is pleased to invest in our province’s growing tourism industry through projects such as the Confederation Trail,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey. “The Confederation Trail is enjoyed by Islanders and visitors, and is a great way to explore our Island’s natural beauty.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $150,000 to help with the improvements. The Government of Prince Edward Island has invested $100,000 in this initiative through the Department of Tourism and Culture.
“The Tourism Industry Association of PEI is very pleased to be taking the lead on this very important initiative which will improve the product offered on the Confederation Trail for visitors and Islanders alike. The availability of washrooms, signage and interpretive panels will help visitors to PEI understand a little more of the communities along the Trail. We anticipate visitors using the Trail will find many reasons to extend their stay on PEI.”
The final portion of the Confederation Trail was completed in 2000 and now stretches from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east. The trail provides 357 kilometre route for people to cycle, walk or run year round and snowmobile in the winter months.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) is undertaking improvements to the Confederation Trail thanks to assistance provided by the federal and provincial governments. The improvements will provide a more enjoyable recreational experience for residents and visitors.
The upgrades include washrooms, new signage and interpretation panels. The trail also offers a more interactive component for users, including day trips along the trail, “how to use the trail” information, cycling maps and hiking excursions.
Minister of State for ACOA Bernard Valcourt and PEI Tourism Minister Robert Vessey have announced a combined investment of $250,000 to make these improvements.
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INFORMATION:
Katie MacNevin
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-626-2878
Mary Moszynski
PEI Dept of Tourism & Culture
902-368-5535
