October 12, 2005
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
The Shipyard Market, a tourism attraction which opened last
summer on the waterfront in Summerside, is working to
develop the site's infrastructure and interpretive
programming for visitors.The project involves the construction of a retractable
canopy above the existing exterior deck, to allow the
facility to accommodate larger groups year-round for
special events and cultural activities. The canopy was
specially designed for the Shipyard Market by Tourism
Summerside in conjunction with Linkletter's Welding of
Central Bedeque, who will construct and assemble it. Other
enhancements to the facility will include viewing
telescopes for the deck as well as detailed interpretive
displays in the interior of the site and new personal
interpretation programming on the history of the
shipbuilding industry in Summerside.The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is
providing $95,692 towards the project. The Department of
Development and Technology is contributing $19,138 through
its Community Development Fund, with an additional $12,759
from the City of Summerside."Tourism stakeholders in Summerside have identified two key
priorities for growing their tourism industry: product
development and interpretive programming," said the
Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "This further enhancement of
the waterfront will attract visitors who want to experience
the rich history and culture of the area and will support
the growth and sustainability of the Shipyard Market into
the future.""The Shipyard Market is a tremendous addition to the
redevelopment of the Summerside west end," said Helen
MacDonald, MLA for St. Eleanor's-Summerside, on behalf of
Hon. Mike Currie, Minister of Development and
Technology. "Our city now boasts one of the most unique
beach fronts in the country that is being utilized by
tourists and locals. It shows how far we have come in a
very short time."Mayor Basil Stewart said, "On behalf of City Council,
Summerside is proud and committed to contribute towards
tourism infrastructure that enhances and helps to position
the community into the future. This project goes towards
achieving the goal of establishing, maintaining and
promoting Summerside as a place that provides safe, unique,
integrated natural and cultural experiences for the
community as well as addressing the fundamental goal of
making Summerside a four-season destination. Anytime the
city can partner on infrastructure improvements in our
great city, to assist in wealth creation, it is a win-win'
for the community."Since it opened during the summer of 2004, the Shipyard
Market has made a positive contribution to Summerside's
waterfront. With 5,000 square feet of open space, it has
served the community and other clients well as a meeting
space and home to a Saturday market during the summer
months. The building includes washroom facilities to serve
visitors to the new waterfront beach area, and the main
space features colourful banners detailing the rich history
of Summerside's shipbuilding industry. The Shipyard Market
will serve as a venue during Contact East, a showcase for
Atlantic Canada's performing artists from October 16 to 19,
and plans are underway to host other festivals and special
events throughout the year."This canopy addition to the Shipyard Market, which will
cover a large portion of the existing 4,500-square-foot
deck, is a valuable addition to the new products which have
been added to our waterfront over the past several years,"
said Don Groom, Chair of the Summerside Sustainable Tourism
Initiative. "With this addition, this facility will be
better equipped to host banquets, meetings, festivals and
events. On behalf of Tourism Summerside, I wish to take
this opportunity to thank Minister McGuire, Minister Currie
and Mayor Stewart for their valuable support and commitment
to these efforts."
Ron Crozier
Office of the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency
(902) 888-4150
Arnold Croken
Tourism Summerside
(902) 436-7784
Dennis King
Department of Development and Technology
(902) 368-6574
Brian Hawrylak
City of Summerside
(902) 432-1288
Danielle Gauthier
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 566-7569
