The new headquarters of the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development in Montague was officially opened on Wednesday by Premier Robert Ghiz. He was joined by Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Ron MacKinley.
“The relocation of this department is a further reflection of the commitment of this government to rural Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Ghiz. “As a department which primarily serves rural residents, it is most fitting that it be part of a rural community.”
The new headquarters provides space for 32 staff in the Marine Fisheries and Seafood Services, the Aquaculture and Rural Development divisions, along with the administration of Access PEI and the headquarters of the Employment Development Agency. The 9,161 square foot building was constructed by K&S Development and is leased by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.
“We are excited to be in our new headquarters here in Montague and look forward to continuing to serve our clients throughout Prince Edward Island,” said Minister LeClair. “This is a further step in the implementation of the Rural Action Plan and complements our ongoing initiatives to strengthen the rural economy and the quality of life in rural communities.”
Staff of the department began working out of the new headquarters in January. The department will continue to maintain a satellite office in Charlottetown for meetings with industry groups.
During the open house, members of the public, officials from the Town of Montague and representatives of groups and organizations served by the department had the opportunity of touring the building and meeting with staff.
The relocation of the department was announced in the April 2008 Speech from the Throne. At that time, the provincial government also announced its intent to develop a rural economic development strategy that would bring a government-wide focus to rural issues.
“The provincial government is strongly committed to the goal of building our One Island Community,” said Premier Ghiz. “Islanders recognize that achieving a balance between rural and urban growth is essential to strengthening our standard of living and quality of life.”