A project designed to take advantage of the natural beauty of western Prince Edward Island was announced today by Joe McGuire, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada; the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Transportation and Public Works; and Paula MacDonald, representing the Tignish Initiatives Corporation.
The project will include an interpretive centre as well as a significant expansion of the existing gift shop and restaurant. The interpretive centre will focus on the work being carried out at the Atlantic Wind Test Site and the potential of wind energy. It will also feature displays about the area's natural history and landscape.
"North Cape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in western PEI, and I'm very pleased that we are able to provide significant assistance toward developing this location into a world-class visitor's site," said Joe McGuire. "The proposed interpretive centre, through its highly interactive setting, will promote the effectiveness of wind energy and deepen the visitors' experience to this part of the province."
The interpretive centre will be linked to existing features of the area, including the Black Marsh Trail, through improvements to the roads. Some areas will be re-planted with native plants and grasses. Extra parking will be added, including spaces to accommodate larger vehicles such as RVs and tour buses. The renovations will nearly double the size of the existing building.
"Blending the strengths of our natural beauty and local landscape with the technology of the Atlantic Wind Test site will help build the strong foundation of an attractive eco-tourism development. On behalf of the province, I'm very pleased that we've been able to partner with the community and the federal government to support this exciting initiative," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea.
"Tignish Initiatives are excited to see the North Cape Enhancement Project move forward. With a tourism destination of this caliber in Western PEI, we look forward to increased visitation which will be a direct financial benefit to our local, regional and provincial economies," said Paula MacDonald, vice chairperson of Tignish Initiatives Corporation.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency contributed $1.5 million to the project. The provincial contribution includes $335,000 from Transportation and Public Works and $165,000 from Development and Technology. Tignish Initiatives Corporation will contribute $50,000. The Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology, provided $11,600.