10 August 2011
Alberton, Prince Edward Island
Representatives from the federal and provincial governments gathered today to announce contributions being made to upgrade the Prince County Exhibition Racetrack in Alberton.
“Our Government is committed to strengthening the economic infrastructure of rural communities like Alberton,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “The upgrades being made to the Prince County Exhibition Racetrack will support the development of the harness racing industry on Prince Edward Island, and will further establish Alberton as a destination for Islanders and visitors.”
The upgrades to the racetrack will include the construction of a new barn which will house 12 permanent stalls and upgrades to the track surface and fencing. Additionally, an existing building will be renovated to accommodate a tribute to famous matinee racers from West Prince, including Joe O’Brien.
“Through the Rural Action Plan, the provincial government strongly supports the work of the Prince County Exhibition Association, and this project will provide much-needed facilities to strengthen its matinee racing program,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. “I congratulate the members of the association for their dedication and hard work, and wish them every success in carrying out this project.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $50,000 to assist with the upgrades. The Government of Prince Edward Island has invested over $209,000 in this initiative through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, the Department of Agriculture, and Skills PEI. The total project cost is $288,197.
“The improvements to the facility will result in more events and activities at the racetrack,” said Ms. Anne Robinson, Vice Chair of the Prince County Exhibition Association. “I would like to thank the federal and provincial governments for their contributions, and for helping us promote the harness racing industry in Western PEI.”
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Government contributions to renovate the Prince County Exhibition Racetrack was announced today in Alberton by National Revenue Minister Gail Shea and the Honourable Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development. The federal and provincial governments will contribute more than $259,000 in upgrades to the track’s facilities.
Upgrades will include the construction of new barns and improvements to the track surface and fencing. There will also be renovations to an existing building to accommodate a tribute to famous matinee racers from West Prince, including harness racer, Joe O’Brien. Enhancements to this facility will result in an increased number of events and activities held at the racetrack in Alberton and will help promote the harness racing industry in Western PEI.
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INFORMATION:
Cindy Roy
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-566-7569
Kim Klein
PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural
Development
902-838-0670
Scott Gamble
Prince County Exhibition Association
902-206-0217
