The Prince Edward Island Association of Exhibitions has received funding to undertake a comprehensive five-year action and infrastructure plan on behalf of its thirteen member exhibitions and festivals. The Association will receive a total of $54,000 from the federal and provincial governments, with the remaining project costs to be contributed by its membership. Federal funding was received under the Canadian Agricultural Rural Communities Initiative, whose objective is to enhance the viability of agricultural rural communities, particularly those affected by changes in the agricultural sector.
Hillsborough Member of Parliament Shawn Murphy said one of the main objectives of the program is to enhance the sustainability of agricultural and rural communities. "This project will help exhibitions and festivals increase their contribution to the communities of which they are a part," he said.
"Exhibitions and festivals across Prince Edward Island provide an excellent showcase for products from the land and sea, along with increasing awareness of our high quality food products," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy. "This project will help strengthen the way these products are promoted to Islanders and visitors alike."
Elaine MacLennan, President of the Exhibitions Association, said that in identifying needs, particular emphasis will be placed on food production and display areas, ensuring they are upgraded to meet food safety requirements and designing suitable facilities where there are none presently. "The strategic plan will include concrete measures to enhance the contribution of exhibitions and festivals to the resource industries, rural communities and the tourist industry," she said.
The Association intends to engage a consulting firm to assist in developing the strategic plan. The consultant will work with each of the Association's member organizations to develop strategic plans and infrastructure needs.