Ninety-four years after opening its doors for the first time, the Kensington Railyards officially opened for business once again. But instead of selling train travel, the railway site offers tourists and Islanders a beautifully restored area in which to shop, enjoy entertainment, and appreciate the history of Kensington and its railway station.
Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, the Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, and Gerald McCarville, Mayor of the Town of Kensington were at the site to open the development project as the kick-off to Kensington's Harvest Days celebrations.
"The Town of Kensington's location is probably its greatest economic opportunity," said Mr. Easter. "A development such as the Kensington Railyards is a wonderful way to stop some of the traffic that travels through Kensington, bringing a variety of economic benefits to the community."
The development is generating economic growth for the Kensington area through tourism and entrepreneurship. Kensington Railyards has become the centre for community activities, attracting tourists and Islanders to the area to appreciate the history of the railway and other attractions, such as regular ceilidhs, which are offered at the site.
"This project is another example of our government's commitment to community development within the province," said Minister MacKinnon. "The Kensington Railyards redevelopment is strengthening the Kensington community by providing increased employment opportunities and economic growth in the area, while at the same time, enhancing the historical aspect of Kensington and its train station."
Preserving the history of the railway station and town was an important consideration in the redevelopment. The two-acre development was designed to complement the historical features existing at the train station site, reflecting a railway era theme. As part of the project, a blacksmith shop and freight shed, both dating back to the early 1900's, were restored and moved to new locations on the site. Original track was laid in front of the railway station, and a train locomotive and caboose were repositioned on the former rail line approaching the station.
"The Kensington Train Station has played an important role within this community for nearly one hundred years," said Mayor McCarville. "The Kensington Railyards redevelopment is ensuring that the station remains a focal point for the town, contributing to the area both culturally and economically and generating a new pride within the community."
The Kensington Railyards development also includes such things as a liquor retail outlet, fish market, and farmers market.
Roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, signage, a lighting system and park area were all completed as part of the development's infrastructure. The final addition to the site was a 15 foot high, four-faced clock tower that overlooks the entire development.
Funding for the project infrastructure was provided by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), and by the Government of Prince Edward Island.
The Government of PEI contributed $220,000 and also provided the land for the project. Funding of $97,358 was provided through the Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, which is co-managed by HRDC and the PEI Department of Development. Additional funding of $48,000 was provided through the Canada/PEI Regional Economic Development Agreement (REDA) which is funded jointly by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Government of PEI on a 70/30 cost sharing basis. In addition, the Town of Kensington contributed the freight shed, blacksmith shop, gazebo, and station building, which is the centerpiece of the Kensington Railyards development.
The railway station land property, with the exception of the Confederation Trail corridor, will be formally deeded to the Town of Kensington this fall. Future development projects by the Town are now in the planning stages, including plans to renovate the existing Train Station building to house a museum devoted to the history of the area and the railway on PEI.
For more information contact:
Nancy Hoegg
Human Resources Development Canada
(902) 566-7653
Susan Zwicker
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(902) 368-0502
Kandace Ling
Labour Market Development Agreement
(902) 368-6574