The Northumberland Community Development Corporation, along with the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island, today announced the grand opening of a major tourist attraction at MacLure's Pond. This new development project enhances the tourism infrastructure in Eastern PEI and provides employment opportunities for residents of the area.
"Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Northumberland Community Development Corporation and the people of Murray River and Murray Harbour. Together, they have worked tirelessly, over the past three years, to make their dream of developing a major tourist attraction become a reality," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General for Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada. "The Government of Canada is delighted to contribute to a project that will not only assist this community, but enhance the tourism potential of eastern PEI."
"The Provincial Government is committed to building stronger communities by investing in ideas that promote the natural beauty of our Island, generate employment opportunities and promote the growth of our small communities," said Premier Pat Binns. "I congratulate the volunteers on the community development corporation who have dedicated their time and effort to this worthwhile project."
"The completion of the Eagles View Golf Course and Interpretive Centre is the result of community commitment and involvement," said Doris White, chairperson of the Northumberland Community Development Corporation. "I would like to thank co-chair Jamie Richards, Doug MacLean and all the other volunteers who worked so hard to see this project through to completion."
This new facility was identified and developed by the local community under the direction of the Northumberland Community Development Corporation, whose mandate is to develop and promote economic and employment opportunities in the area. The main elements of this tourism development project include: the construction of an interpretative centre; the expansion of the Confederation Trail from MacLure's Pond to Murray River; the construction of a walking bridge across MacLure's Pond and the construction of a professionally designed nine-hole golf course. This initiative will tie together existing attractions at King's Castle and the Cape Bear Lighthouse to provide a comprehensive tourist destination for the area.
The total cost of the project is $ 2,531,017. The funding is being provided as follows: Northumberland Community Development Corporation, $486,000; Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology; $812,581; ACOA, through the Business Development Program, $235,240; Canada/PEI Regional Economic Development Agreement, $267,000; and the Canada Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative, $234,760; PEI Department of Development, $447,436; and PEI Department of Transportation, $48,000.