Business activity in rural Prince Edward Island continues to heat up as more companies look to create value added, locally made products and bring them to market, says Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Heath MacDonald.
Richards Total Pool Services located in Montague, Prince Edward Island has expanded its complete residential and commercial pool service business to now include Island-made cedar hot tubs. Combining a passion for Island made products, knowledge of the pool and hot tub industry, and assistance from Innovation PEI, these hot tubs are now a one-of-a-kind product offered on Prince Edward Island.
While in its first year of operation, Richards Total Pool Services launched its cedar hot tub product line in June 2016 and has sold them across Prince Edward Island. Through Innovation PEI’s rental assistance program, a $6,000 grant was provided to the company to help secure prime production space in downtown Montague.
“Our Government is always looking at ways to support small and medium sized businesses on Prince Edward Island,” said Minister MacDonald. “Businesses like Richards Total Pool Services saw an opportunity to bring a unique value added product to the market that ultimately assists the province in increasing its exports, creating new jobs, and strengthening the provincial economy.”
The cedar hot tub is becoming more and more popular in Canadian households, cottages, and vacation properties, especially to those looking for a natural alternative. Cedar is an ideal wood for manufacturing hot tubs in cold climates, as it serves as a insulator and is known to be an effective insect repellent in the warmer seasons. The tubs are heated by wood and require no electricity or chemicals.
“We are proud to produce quality Island-made products that will contribute to the Province’s economic development,” said Blaine Richards, owner and operator of Richards Total Pool Services. “With the help of Innovation PEI, we are that much closer to being another successful Island business.”
Innovation PEI is focused on accelerating economic development in Prince Edward Island by investing in people, innovation, and infrastructure.