Federal and provincial governments celebrate completion of upgrades to Egmont Bay Wharf

EGMONT BAY (PE) – August 3, 2012 – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie), as well as the Honourable Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, were on hand today to celebrate the completion of upgrades and enhancements made to the Egmont Bay Wharf.

“The tourism industry is key economic driver in Atlantic Canada and our Government is pleased to support organizations like the Harbour Authority of Egmont Bay,” said Minister Shea. “The enhancements made to the harbour will help strengthen the local economy, tourism industry and create long-term prosperity.”

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $75,000 to help with the upgrades to the wharf. The Government of Prince Edward Island, through Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development and Skills PEI has invested an additional $149,000 in this initiative.

« The Government of Prince Edward Island is very pleased to partner on improvements to revitalize Egmont Bay Harbour, » said Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Ron MacKinley.  « This investment will add to economic opportunities in the Evangeline Region and at the same time showcase the deep tradition the area has in the fishery ».

The Harbour Authority of Egmont Bay has constructed a more visitor friendly area for this tourism season. The upgrades include a fish market, take-out eatery, historical and cultural informational panels, an observation deck and retail spaces.

“We, Egmont Bay fishermen, are happy with the improvements to our wharf,” said Alfred Arsenault, President, the Harbour Authority of Egmont Bay. “With the cooperation of all the fishermen it took several years of planning meetings and lots of decisions had to be made.  Our Wharf desperately needed this work and we are very pleased with the outcome.  The take out and fish market will make it more attractive to tourists.”

With the completion of the upgrades, the Harbour Authority of Egmont Bay is now able to attract more visitors to the western part of Prince Edward Island. These enhancements to the area will also expand on the success of festivals in the area, such as the Acadian Festival.

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CUTLINE: Norman Arsenault, left, President of the the Harbour Authority of Egmont Bay,  Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, and Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, were on hand Aug.3 at the Egmont Bay Wharf to celebrate the recently completed upgrades and enhancements made at the port.

INFORMATION:

Katie MacNevin
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-626-2878

Kim Devine
PEI Dept Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
902-368-5286