Warm weather and summertime picturesque views of Prince Edward Island waterfronts may still be months away, but strategic tourism developments are well underway in Stanley Bridge.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, joined members of the Harbour Authority of Stanley Bridge today to announce government support for a tourism-focused infrastructure project.
The Harbour Authority of Stanley Bridge is creating new infrastructure to better support tourism activities on both land and sea, including the transformative changes that are already visibly underway at the Marina. ACOA is supporting this project with a $750,000 contribution through its Innovative Communities Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island is contributing $150,000. The Harbour Authority will also contribute just over $100,000 towards the project.
Quotes
“Strong communities and solid infrastructure are key components for economic success. Stanley Bridge is a beautiful waterfront community with a number of strengths and opportunities; I am pleased to announce ACOA’s strategic investment in this project that will see the revitalization of the waterfront and increase its tourism potential.”
- The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is very pleased to partner on improvements to revitalize the harbour in Stanley Bridge. The future of rural Prince Edward Island is dependent upon strong, vibrant communities that strategically plan to enhance their surroundings and create economic growth, while protecting their environment. This initiative will create new opportunities for the harbour and local business, while maintaining the natural rural beauty and charm that brings many visitors and locals coming back to this waterfront community.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“The Harbour Authority has been thinking about a development like this for some time now. With the recent relocation of the breakwater by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Small Craft Harbours, it is the perfect time to enhance services and capacity for boats at the Stanley Bridge Marina. This will create economic development opportunities for Stanley Bridge and the surrounding areas, while helping the Harbour Authority remain financially sustainable over the long term.”
- Mr. Owen Simpson, President, Harbour Authority of Stanley Bridge
Background
The Harbour Authority of Stanley Bridge is a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to ensure the long-term life and operation of the Stanley Bridge Harbour. Formed in 1996, the group is responsible for the management of the harbour and for maintaining safe and acceptable facilities for its users. The organization is governed by a five-member volunteer board of directors.
With support from ACOA and the Provincial Government, the Harbour Authority engaged in a consulting exercise to outline a plan for the landside development at the Harbour, and address the communities’ list of priorities. After consultations and budget considerations, a project description was developed.
The current transformation project involves: expanding the marina to better accommodate recreational boaters and tourists, establishing a new land-base, new retail space and boardwalks, experiential tourism outlets, new washrooms, lockers and shower facilities, improving electrical and wastewater services, a new parking area for visitors, and improving access and safety to and from the harbour.
As part of the overall strategic plan, construction of a new breakwater was recently completed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.