Educational opportunities for residents of West Prince will be significantly improved as a result of a Holland College expansion into the region, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“This new investment in West Prince will help to stimulate the area’s economy for the long term – and offer significant new educational opportunities for residents,” Premier Ghiz said.
Government and Holland College will invest approximately $6 million to build the new facilities. The project will include a new Holland College West Prince Regional Training Centre in Alberton, and expanded offerings at delivery sites in Tignish and O’Leary.
It is estimated that the new facility will be able to accommodate 75 to 100 students at any given time.
“I am extremely proud of this project – the largest stand-alone investment an Island government has ever made in the region’s economic development. As a government, we strongly believe that the best investment in the Island’s future is in our people – and this announcement reflects that belief,” the Premier said.
The new facility, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011, is part of government’s strategy to build economic capacity in rural Prince Edward Island.
“Part of the Rural Action Plan is built on the need to enhance educational opportunities across our province,” Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair said.
Consultations with students, regional business and local leaders in adult education will form the foundation of programs offered at the new West Prince Regional Training Centre.
“It is critical that the Centre meet the needs of the local economy and interests of students,” Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan said. “Given Alberton’s location in the center of West Prince, this location allows the College to extend its reach throughout the region.”
Chair of Resources West Louise Arsenault said, “We are thrilled to see government make such a strategic investment in the economy of West Prince.”
In addition to meeting the terms of the Rural Action Plan, the new Centre also dovetails with the Island Prosperity Strategy.
Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell said, in addition to meeting rural needs, “This investment is part of the blueprint laid out for development of the entire Island economy.”
Alberton-Roseville MLA Pat Murphy said he is very pleased his community was chosen for the Centre – but pointed out that, “This will help West Prince as a whole, and I look forward to working with my fellow MLAs, local business leaders and Chairs of neighboring municipalities to make this a complete success.”