The construction of a new multi-use building in Georgetown’s waterfront area is expected to increase the number of visitors to the town and result in additional tourism revenues for local businesses.
The facility, to be built in the style of the former train station, will house a restaurant/café, railway exhibits and other interpretive displays. The building will also feature a gift shop and have visitor information available on-site. These amenities and services serve to encourage longer length of stay in the town and to provide travelers with interesting historical facts about the area.
The Georgetown Area Development Corporation also plans to improve the waterfront area along West Street beach. The beach will be cleaned up and a scenic link with lighting will be made to the Confederation Trail.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing a non-repayable contribution of $500,000 through the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). The Province of Prince Edward Island is contributing $50,000 under its Community Development Fund and $20,000 through Transportation and Public Works. The Georgetown Area Development Corporation will provide $30,000 towards the initiative.
"Georgetown is identified as one of the undiscovered jewels in eastern PEI," said Lawrence MacAulay, Member of Parliament for Cardigan. "Building on the historical aspects of the town and focusing on the development of its waterfront area will provide a focal point for visitors to explore the area. Revenues stemming from tourism projects such as this one have proved important for many communities across the Island."
"This multi-use facility represents a significant investment in the development of the Georgetown waterfront and reflects government's on-going commitment to increasing tourism within this community and throughout PEI," said the Honourable Michael Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "This building is an important addition to the Georgetown waterfront, and we are pleased to be a partner in this exciting project. Not only will it attract more visitors to local businesses that already exist in this community, but it also presents an opportunity for new businesses to locate here.."
The project has been developed and put forward by the Georgetown Area Development Corporation (GADC). Construction should be completed early next year.
"In 2003, we undertook a study to determine if our initial idea of a multi-use building to be located on our waterfront could be a worthwhile initiative," explained Gordon Lavers, Chair of the Georgetown and Area Development Corporation. "We are thrilled that this project will become a reality and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the number of visitors traveling to Georgetown as well as on our local economy."