The East Point Lighthouse is much more than just one of the Island’s last operating lighthouses. It has become a prime tourism destination, attracting close to 30,000 visitors each year. Enchanted by its rich history of local shipwrecks, visitors come to explore and tour the beautiful site located at the very eastern tip of Prince Edward Island. Built during the time of Confederation in 1867, this Island landmark is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year when the lighthouse will be rebranded as “Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse”.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Alan McIsaac, PEI Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, today announced government support for property improvements to the East Point Lighthouse.
The Government of Canada, though ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $39,275 to the Friends of Elmira Railway Museum Inc., a non-profit organization that operates the lighthouse. The Government of Prince Edward Island is contributing $11,600 towards this project. In addition, the Eastern Kings Community Council is contributing $3,000 to the project, and the East Point Women’s Institute is providing $500.
The improvements will enhance the lighthouse’s aesthetic appeal for visitors and set the stage for historic and cultural programming planned for the site in 2017 to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The enhancements include interior and exterior upgrades to the lighthouse and other buildings on site, additional signage, fencing upgrades for safety purposes, and overall site improvements.
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“It fills me with great pride that the East Point Lighthouse is recognized for its heritage value and has become a major tourist attraction along the Points East Coastal Drive. These upgrades will allow the lighthouse to better serve the ever-increasing number of visitors to this historic property. The Government of Canada recognizes that historic sites such as this foster economic development in rural areas and enhance community pride and spirit.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, through our Rural Economic Development division, is pleased to be a part of this project in Eastern Kings. Initiatives such as this provide an important contribution to the development of a vibrant rural economy. Lighthouses continue to be popular tourism attractions for Prince Edward Island and we want to ensure these sites remain attractive pieces of our Island culture and heritage for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”
- The Honourable Alan McIsaac, PEI Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
“The Friends of Elmira Railway Museum Inc. are very excited with today’s announcement of support from ACOA, the Provincial Government, the Eastern Kings Community Council and the East Point Women’s Institute, which will dramatically improve the appearance of the East Point Lighthouse for its many visitors. This announcement reflects the hard work and dedication of the Board of Directors and without funding, projects like this one would not be possible for a not-for-profit board such as ours."
- Paul Cheverie, Chair, Friends of Elmira Railway Museum Inc.