The Montague Waterfront Development was officially opened today by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada; the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island; and Her Worship, Pat McGowan, Mayor of the Town of Montague.
"The volunteer board of the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation has worked very hard to make this a reality and I want to congratulate them for their work and dedication," said Minister MacAulay. "Without a doubt, this project will continue to foster opportunity for growth and development in the Town of Montague and surrounding areas."
The development, worth over $600,000, has breathed new life into Montague's waterfront by celebrating its past, and has generated enthusiasm and optimism about the area's future. The picturesque waterfront is enjoying a rejuvenation of activity, drawing local residents and visitors to the new development, officially named "The Station."
"It is exciting to see the benefits that this remarkable project is already bringing to the Montague area," said Premier Binns. "This development is a fine example of building on our strong sense of Island community, enhancing our culture, and celebrating our heritage."
The main feature of the development is the train station which has been restored and expanded by 1,800 square feet. The train station houses a visitor information centre, retail shops, and now includes shower facilities for visitors to the marina. A boardwalk, marinas, parking lots, sidewalks, signage, and storm sewers are all part of the development's infrastructure. A gazebo and a lighting system complete the project and help recapture the atmosphere of Montague in earlier times.
"This is a great day for the Town of Montague," said Mayor McGowan. "It is marvelous to see the result of years of cooperation and effort in this much needed development for local citizens and for our visitors. ‘Montague the Beautiful' is even more beautiful today."
"It is very gratifying to see today the results of the planning, dedication and effort that went into this project," said Bev Deelstra, Chair of the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation. "This development reflects our pride in our history and tradition, and is an investment in our future."
Funding for this project was provided by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), by the Government of Prince Edward Island and by the Town of Montague. In addition, the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation has undertaken a campaign for sponsors to provide landscaping needs for the project.
ACOA has provided a $134,780 contribution under the Business Development Program. An additional $145,000 has been contributed under the Canada/PEI Regional Economic Development Agreement (REDA), which is jointly funded by ACOA and the Government of Prince Edward Island on a 70/30 cost sharing basis. Funding of $159,000 was provided through the Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, which is co-managed by Human Resources Development Canada and the PEI Department of Development. The Town of Montague has provided a $100,000 contribution, and the Government of PEI has contributed $81,200 in addition to providing 3.56 acres of land for the project to the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation.
For more information, contact Sysan Zwicker, ACOA, (902) 368-0502; Nancy Hoegg, HRDC, (902) 566-7653; Kandace Ling, LMDA, Dept. of Development, (902) 368-6574; or Bev Deelstra, Montague Waterfront Development Corporation, (902) 838-2055.