March 2, 2015 – North Rustico, PEI – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Town of North Rustico is hoping to attract many more visitors to its idyllic location.
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 Carolyn Bertram, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, on behalf of the Honourable Allen Roach, PEI Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning and Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, today announced combined funding of $445,500 for the Town of North Rustico to promote the area as an Acadian tourist destination.
The Town of North Rustico will undertake upgrades and renovations to Seawalk Park (formally Centennial Park) to showcase the Town’s marine and Acadian heritage, and highlight the Town’s unique location at an entrance to the PEI National Park. The Town will also incorporate a new commercial space for local artisans, a welcome centre for visitors, new public washrooms, new and upgraded trails and lighting, distinct branding and signage, and a performance space for North Rustico’s growing concert and performance series.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, provided the Town of North Rustico with $270,500. The Government of Prince Edward Island has provided additional support of $175,000 through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Rural Development and Skills PEI.
- The Town of North Rustico is well known for its lobster fishing industry and lobster dinners.
- North Rustico is one of six Acadian and Francophone regions recognized by the Province of Prince Edward Island.
Quotes:
“I am pleased to announce our Government’s support, which will help the Town of North Rustico attract more visitors to the region and strengthen the local economy. This contribution will help this rural community identify and build on local assets to create a sustainable tourism industry.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“North Rustico has long been recognized as a major fishing port and tourist destination. Now, its designation as an Acadian tourist destination will strengthen the economic, social and cultural fabric of the community. I want to congratulate the people of North Rustico on this exciting new initiative.”
- The Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, on behalf of the Honourable Allen Roach, PEI Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning and Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
“The Seawalk Park Project is a major step towards making the Town Of North Rustico “The Tourist Destination of Prince Edward Island”.
- Mayor Anne Kirk, Mayor of the Town of North Rustico
Associated Links:
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
902-940-0801
Wayne MacKinnon
PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
902-368-5513
