The Northumberland Community Development Corporation along with the Government of Canada and Province of Prince Edward Island today announced details of a major tourist attraction for the Murray River area at MacLure's Pond.
Development plans for the area include several key components: the construction of an interpretive centre which will feature historical and natural artifacts and information; the expansion of the Confederation Trail from MacLure's Pond to Murray Harbour; the addition of a walking bridge across MacLure's Pond; and the construction of a nine-hole golf course.
"I congratulate the people of the Murray River, Murray Harbour and surrounding areas who, under the leadership of the Northumberland Community Development Corporation, have worked cooperatively to design this development for MacLure's Pond. I am pleased that the Government of Canada is able to assist the community to enhance the tourism infrastructure in Eastern Prince Edward Island," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, representing the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Human Resources Development Canada.
Work will begin immediately and it is expected that the facilities and outdoor activities will be open to the public in the summer of 2001.
"This project has come about because this community worked together to create it. Communities know best what will work for them. We are pleased to be able to help this community take their vision one step further," said Premier Binns.
"It is an exciting day for the many volunteers who have been working so hard for the past two years to develop several projects for the area including MacLure's Pond," said Doris White, Co-Chairperson, Northumberland Community Development Corporation. "Our co-chairs of the MacLure's Pond project, Jamie Richards and Doug MacLean, will continue to work hard to ensure that MacLure's Pond is developed properly and that the benefits to our community are long-term."
The total cost of the project is $1.587 million plus land valued at $112,000 that has been donated by the community. The funding is being provided as follows: Northumberland Community Development Corporation, $200,000; Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, up to $436,500; ACOA, $235,240 through the Business Development Program; Canada/Prince Edward Island Regional Economic Development Agreement, $267,000; Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative, $234,760; PEI Department of Development, $160,000; and PEI Department of Transportation and Public Works, $53,500.
The ACOA contributions to the MacLure's Pond development will be directed toward the eligible costs for the interpretive centre, boardwalk, trails and a portion of the administrative expenses.
The Northumberland Community Development Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1998 by the residents of the greater Murray River area to develop and promote employment, infrastructure and activity in the community. The volunteer Board of Directors consists of ten community members.