October 21, 2014 – Georgetown, PEI – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA), and PEI Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley were in Georgetown recently to announce a combined investment of $316,845 for three projects to improve the Georgetown Port and its economic sustainability.
The Georgetown Port Inc. is receiving funding from both levels of government to complete upgrades and enhancements to its facilities, with the goal of attracting new businesses and visitors to the community. In addition, W&R Fisheries Ltd. is receiving repayable assistance from the Government of Canada and Active Communities Inc. for upgrades to meet market demand for their products.
Quick Facts:
- The Georgetown Port Inc. is receiving $100,000 from the Government of Canada, through ACOA, and $102,000 from the Province, through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development’s Island Community Fund, for upgrades to an existing facility in Georgetown for use as a multi-purpose, multi-tenant facility. Completing these upgrades will enable Georgetown Port Inc. to attract local businesses and help them expand their capabilities.
- The Georgetown Port Inc. is also receiving $38,500 from the Government of Canada, through ACOA, and $7,500 from the Province, through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development’s Regional Development Support Program, to execute the Tourism Atlantic Strategic Tourism Expansion Program (STEP), and complete a port readiness workshop for the Town of Georgetown. Through the implementation of the STEP program, the Port hopes to improve its tourism product and increase cruise ship visitation to the area.
- W&R Fisheries Ltd. is also receiving $34,423 in repayable assistance from the Government of Canada, through ACOA and $34,422 from Active Communities Inc. to purchase equipment required to expand its operations. The company will move into a new facility owned by Georgetown Port in order to process and sell its popular cultured blue mussels throughout Eastern North America.
Quotes:
“Our Government is committed to helping rural communities in our region remain vibrant and strong. We are pleased to make targeted investments like these three, which can help establish and grow businesses in the area and attract more visitors to the Eastern end of Prince Edward Island.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“This funding announcement reflects the commitment of our provincial government to enhance our rural communities by supporting local business and boosting the economy by bringing more people into the region. It is important that we continue to work with all levels of government and local business to ensure the long term sustainability of our communities.”
- The Honourable Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries. Aquaculture and Rural Development
“The board of Georgetown Port Inc. would like to thank the Federal and Provincial governments for working with us on our Marine Terminal upgrade as well as getting us lined up with the STEP program. Their financial contribution and cooperation with these projects will help GPI make the Georgetown Marine Terminal a viable facility for future use and the STEP program will put the Town of Georgetown in a position to make the most its architecture, history and harbour when attracting visitors to the area.”
- Mr. Tim Mair, President, Georgetown Port Inc.
Associated Links:
• Georgetown Port Authority
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Katie MacNevin
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-626-2878
April Gallant
PEI Dept of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
902-368-5286
