July 16, 1999 The Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, toured one of Prince Edward Island's newest tourism attractions today, Avonlea Village. The 50 acre village is based on L.M. Montgomery's vision of a historical nineteenth century village in Prince Edward Island. The attraction will offer a variety of recreated period buildings and also features the actual schoolhouse in which L. M. Montgomery completed one of her first teaching assignments. Minister MacKinnon stated that, " This development by The Linkletter Group again shows the confidence that Island entrepreneurs have in the province's growing economy". Minister MacKinnon added " The province is pleased to be able to assist in a project that will create new jobs for Cavendish area as well as add additional infrastructure for one of the province's leading industries." The Avonlea Village is a $2.9 million investment on behalf of The Linkletter Group. The new attraction will employ 25 people during the peak tourist season. The Province of Prince Edward Island, through Enterprise PEI, assisted the project by providing $425,000 through the Equity Investor Incentive and Interest Buy Down programs.Media Contact: Lori Pendleton