A news conference today marked the official opening of Phase II of Gateway Village in Borden-Carleton. Participating in the ribbon cutting were Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism; Eric Hammill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry; and George Ramsay, Chairman of Borden-Carleton.
Gateway Village is a welcoming attraction that provides a wonderful stop-off point for visitors arriving or leaving Prince Edward Island. Shops in Phase II include: Red Rock Lobster Stop and Cafe, Waverley Interiors, Gateway Convenience and Toy Store, East Coast Music Store & More, Cackleberry Farms, The Island Golf Store, and The Croft House.
"The location of Gateway Village, at the foot of Confederation Bridge, provides the ideal opportunity to showcase Prince Edward Island and promote our quality products to visitors," said Minister MacAleer. "The success of Phase I is a strong indication of the need for such a facility and Phase II will continue to meet the growing demands in the PEI tourism industry."
In addition to the shops included in Phase II, Gateway Centre, which opened in May 1997, features a visitor information centre, Our Island Home interpretive museum, The Official Island Store, Gateway Liquor Store, an array of food services, and a three-hectare park.
"The expansion of Gateway Village is very exciting for this region of the Island," said Eric Hammill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and MLA for Borden-Kinkora. "Phase II has created much needed jobs and a spin-off of other economic benefits."
Implemented in January 1998, the expansion is a result of the success Gateway Centre achieved in its first year of operation.
"The benefits of Gateway Village for Borden-Carleton thus far have been incredible," said George Ramsay, Chair of Borden-Carleton. "The opening of Phase II is such a positive event for our community. It benefits local businesses, as well as visitors and Islanders alike."