Two projects in the Tyne Valley area have received grants from the province's Community Development Fund. The Tyne Valley and Area Development Corporation has received funds to purchase the Parsonage in Bideford. This house was the boarding residence for author Lucy Maud Montgomery during her first year of teaching at No. 6 Bideford School.
The home had been in private hands, but citizens of the area recognized the development potential of the home for the area and have rallied to preserve it. The building is already promoted as a point of interest in the area's West Country Heritage Trail. The newly formed West Country Historical Society is now looking at ways to preserve the property's historical significance - and draw more tourists to the area.
The $50,000 award will help the community purchase the property.
"The Community Development Fund exists to support communities that identify projects which are important to them, " said Development Minister Don MacKinnon. "The Parsonage project will help expand the community's economy and will encourage citizens in the community to work together toward the growth and sustainability of their area."
Minister MacKinnon made the presentation to the community at a special ceremony on February 3, 2000.
The Community Development Fund is administered by the Community Development Bureau. The Bureau is made up ministers from four departments of government -- Health and Social Services, Development, Technology and Environment and Education.
"With four departments working together, communities are encouraged to look at themselves as a whole and to plan their development accordingly," said Education Minister Chester Gillan. "It is vital that communities on Prince Edward Island take the lead in realizing their development goals."
Last Saturday, Minister MacKinnon also presented an award from the Community Development Fund to the Tyne Valley and Area Development Corporation for renovations to the rink. The renovations will allow space for community meetings and activities.
To date, the Community Development Fund has supported over $300,000 worth of projects identified by communities in the Evangeline and West Prince regions.