The Aviation Heritage Society is furthering improvements to the entrance of Slemon Park thanks to support from the federal and provincial governments.
“Our Government is proud to support projects that create jobs and boost the Island’s economy,” said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “The enhancements made to Slemon Park will attract new visitors to share in Prince Edward Island’s rich history.”
This is Phase II of the development of the entrance to Slemon Park, which is a growing home to the expanding aerospace industry. With the new additions, including interpretive displays, landscaping and commemorative walkways, people will now be able to enjoy the area even more.
“The support that the Government of Prince Edward Island has been able to provide this project through Skills PEI is allowing Islanders to gain valuable on-the-job training, while protecting our aviation history and adding a new point of interest for visitors to Slemon Park,” said the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. “This is a great project for the workers and the community.”
The Government of Canada has invested $35,000 through ACOA to help with the restorations. The Province of Prince Edward Island also invested $195,000 from the PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development and Skills PEI.
“The Aviation Heritage Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving and promoting the Island’s aerospace history,” said Bob Steele, Co-Chair of the Restoration Committee and Board Member, Aviation Heritage Society (PEI). “The new vibrant and landscaped entrance to Slemon Park has surpassed our goal for this project, and we are grateful for the contributions made by the federal and provincial governments that helped us achieve these results.”
In Phase I of this project, the Aviation Heritage Society restored three historical aircrafts at the entrance to Slemon Park. Visitors now have one more reason to visit Western Prince Edward Island and take the time to explore the rich military aviation heritage of PEI.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Thanks to federal and provincial investments, the Aviation Heritage Society is adding interpretive displays, landscaping, and walkways to the entrance of Slemon Park.
Minister of State for ACOA Bernard Valcourt and PEI Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair visited Slemon Park to view the new additions to the entrance that are currently being constructed. The work is being funded in part by a combined investment of over $230,000.
The development of the entrance also includes the restoration of three historical aircrafts, which was completed in December 2010.
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INFORMATION:
Andrea Richer, Press Secretary
Office of Minister Valcourt
613-790-3637
Cindy Roy
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-566-7569
Alf Blanchard
PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural
Development
902-368-4888
