The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Regional Minister for Prince Edward Island, and the Honourable Robert Henderson, Provincial Minister of Tourism and Culture, joined Charlottetown Harbour Authority officials to announce funding for a study which will explore the option of a second cruise ship berth in the Port of Charlottetown.
“Our Government is focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We understand the importance of the cruise industry in the growth of Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and the contribution it makes to strengthen our regional economy,” said Minister Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “That is why we support the efforts of the Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc. as they examine the feasibility of expanding the Port of Charlottetown and take advantage of the immediate demand in the cruise industry.”
Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc. is engaging consultants to conduct a study that will identify engineering requirements and cost estimates to establish a second cruise ship berth to the Charlottetown Harbour.
“The Prince Edward Island government recognizes the importance of the cruise ship sector in growing our tourism industry and creating a stronger economy,” said Minister Henderson. “Our government is pleased to support our industry partners in their efforts to strengthen tourism in the province and promote Prince Edward Island as a world-class destination.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $37,500 to help with the study. The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Tourism and Culture, has also invested an additional $5,000, and the Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc. is investing $7,500.
“This study will address the feasibility of a second berth on the Charlottetown Waterfront, which would accommodate the increasing demand from the Cruise Industry,” states John Cormier, Vice-President of the Board for the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. “We would like to thank both ACOA and Tourism PEI for continuing to support the cruise industry on PEI and new initiatives such as this to sustain and grow this business.”
Prince Edward Island’s cruise ship industry is a quickly expanding tourism industry in this region. With the cruise industry in a growth pattern, it is anticipated that direct and indirect economic impacts will grow accordingly in 2012 and beyond.