Training, infrastructure, and new experiences will build on tourism offerings in rural communities

“Every community and every sector has felt the effects of the pandemic’s numerous challenges this past year. As we rebuild our rural economies and reimagine our tourism industry, I am heartened by the resilience and creativity of the organizations and entrepreneurs in West Prince. Today’s investments acknowledge their leadership and ongoing efforts to enhance PEI’s incredible assets. Together, and with much hard work, our communities will come out stronger.”

-  Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Continued investment into our rural areas is extremely important for the residents of these communities, and for our Island economy as a whole. We understand the essential role that tourism plays for PEI, and our government is excited to work with the respective organizations to further economic growth in Western PEI.”

-  Honourable Jamie Fox, PEI Minister of Fisheries and Communities

“The Board of directors of the Canadian Potato Museum is thrilled and thankful to accept the financial contributions made to this exciting project. This enhancement to our facility will help to promote growth in tourism to the entire West Prince community post COVID-19.”

- Alma MacLennan, Canadian Potato Museum 

• O'Leary Centennial Museum and Library Association Ltd. seeks to collect, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret the history of the potato industry, as well as the region.

• The Government of Canada is providing $500,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to the O'Leary Centennial Museum and Library Association to support upgrades at the Canadian Potato Museum. The Province of Prince Edward Island is providing $160,280 through the Department of Fisheries and Communities, Skills Development, Innovation PEI, and Agriculture and Land. 

• Alberton Community Development Corporation is mandated to improve the Alberton area economy, promote ecologically sound development and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

• ACOA is providing $250,000 through the ICF to the Alberton Central Development Corporation for its eco-tourism centre project while the Province is providing $100,000 through the Department of Fisheries and Communities.

• North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership is a non-profit regional tourism association that provides regional marketing, product development and membership engagement to tourism operators in western Prince Edward Island.

• ACOA is providing $34,000 through its Business Development Program (BDP) to help North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership support tourism operators, while the Province is providing $21,000 through the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture.

• Federal funding for all three projects is non-repayable.

Associated links

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• Construction Association of Prince Edward Island
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Jana Parker Smith
Communications Manager, Prince Edward Island
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jana.parker@canada.ca

Kip Ready
Department of Fisheries and Communities
Senior Communications Officer
kjready@gov.pe.ca
902-314-3407

Donna Rowley
Manager
Canadian Potato Museum
902-859-2039

Matt McGuire
Chairperson
Alberton Community Development Corporation
902-388-8235

Adam MacLennan
Interim Executive Director
North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership
902-853-6557

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