Project will create jobs, boost local economy
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, August 12, 2011 – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, and the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, today visited the site of the future Convention Centre on the Charlottetown waterfront, where construction is progressing well.
“Our Government is focused on providing real results for Canadians and the communities in which they live,” said Minister Shea. “The new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre will create jobs and inject capital into our economy by promoting business and tourism in the region.”
“This new convention centre will provide a major boost to the Island’s tourism industry, and will bring millions of dollars in revenue for Island businesses” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “Not only will it provide space for major conferences and conventions, but it will also be the centrepiece of a major re-development on Queens Wharf and allow for a much improved water view on Queen Street. I’m very pleased to see this project is underway.”
The Convention Centre will include meeting space, a multi-purpose convention/ballroom space, underground parking and small office spaces. The new facility will increase the capacity of the existing convention centre, which was built in 1981 and needs to be expanded in order for the province to remain competitive in the convention market.
The total cost of the Convention Centre is estimated at nearly $17.7 million. Infrastructure Canada has set aside up to $8.7 million from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund and is working with the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation to finalize a contribution agreement. The Government of Prince Edward Island will provide the balance of more than $9 million for the project through Build PEI.
The Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to promote and facilitate growth and commercial development in Charlottetown and the surrounding communities, will own the new facility.
"The PEI Convention Centre is an exciting addition to Prince Edward Island’s tourism infrastructure,” said CADC Board Chairman David McInnis. “CADC is delighted to partner with the federal and provincial governments on this project.”
Canada and Prince Edward Island are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.
For more information on Infrastructure Canada investments, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
For more information on infrastructure programs in Prince Edward Island, visit www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.
Contact:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Andrew Sprague
Communications Officer
PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
902-368-5112
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 or
Toll free 1-877-250-7154
