Saturday, October 11, 2014 – Charlottetown, PEI – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, today joined members of the PEI Standardbred Horseowners’ Association to celebrate the completion of a major development project at the Red Shores Racetrack.
The project involved the demolition of deteriorating barns on the north end of the Red Shores at Charlottetown Driving Park property and the construction of a replacement stable barn with 120 stalls, 12 tack stalls and 12 wash stalls. A parking lot was also created on the property beside the new facility.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada supported this project with a $750,000 contribution through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
- The Government of Prince Edward Island contributed to this project with $750,000 through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development's Island Community Fund, the Department of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs' PEI Lotteries Commission, Skills PEI, and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.
- The PEI Standardbred Horseowners’ Association was established in 1970 to represent those who stable, train, race, groom and breed horses within the industry. The organization is committed to the continued growth of the PEI Harness Racing Industry.
- After a 2011 redevelopment feasibility analysis, the PEISHOA identified the need to replace the forty-plus year-old barns to ensure the safety of its members and their horses, and to promote new growth and investment in the industry.
Quotes:
“The PEI Standardbred Horseowners’ Association has worked hard to modernize these facilities for its members. Our Government’s contribution to this project is generating positive economic spin-offs through community, industry, and business building, as well as tourism benefits, contributing to growth and long-term prosperity in Prince Edward Island.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“The harness racing industry contributes more than $40 million annually to the provincial economy and creates jobs and economic activity throughout rural Prince Edward Island. This new facility at Red Shores at Charlottetown Driving Park helps to showcase Prince Edward Island’s harness racing industry.”
- The Honourable Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
“This project was a true example of Island cooperation. We are happy to have a played our part in the project – from logistics support during planning and construction, to helping ensure a smooth transition for horses and owners, and to the day-to-day operational role we continue to play.”
- Adam Walsh, Racing Experience Manager for Red Shores
“On behalf of the Prince Edward Island Standardbred Horse Owners Association, I want to express our appreciation to the Federal and Provincial Governments and all our funding partners for their support of this project. This new stabling is a much healthier environment for our horses and the people who work with them.”
- Dr. Colleen Dickie, Chair, PEI Standardbred Horseowners Association
Associated Links:
• Red Shores
• Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Jana Parker
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-368-0264
April Gallant
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
902-368-5286
Lee Drake
Manager Marketing and Sales
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino
902-620-4222 Ext. 4263
