The development concept for the new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre was introduced today by the federal and provincial levels of government and industry partners.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans as well as the federal Minister Responsible for Prince Edward Island, joined Premier Robert Ghiz to reveal plans to double the province’s capacity to host major meetings and conventions.
In 2009, there were roughly 200 meetings and conventions held in Prince Edward Island. These conventions attracted more than 20,000 delegates. Those delegates were joined by a further 23,000 traveling companions. In total, these events contributed $20 million to the provincial economy.
“Right here in PEI, the tourism industry contributes more than $375 million dollars annually into the Island economy, making it one of the largest business sectors in the province,” said Gail Shea, Minister Responsible for PEI. “The development of this new convention centre concept will continue to support this vital industry and promote PEI as a prime destination area,” she said.
“The anticipated investment in the PEI Convention Centre will increase meetings and convention business by close to 30 per cent over five years,” said Premier Ghiz.
“Once it is fully operational, the new Centre will add a further $6.5 million in annual tourism business to the provincial economy. We have achieved a great deal in a short time and this progress is a tribute to the partnership forged between the Government of Prince Edward Island and our partners, including Minister Shea and the federal government, the PEI Convention Partnership, the Delta Prince Edward Hotel and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island.”
Although the development remains in its early stages, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard announced on Friday that they will be relocating within the Charlottetown Region to permit the development of the proposed Convention Centre. The Province is now in the process of acquiring the land.
The Convention Centre is expected to hold 36,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. This is large enough to host receptions for up to 3,000 people and dining events for up to 1,500.
It is estimated that the Convention Centre will cost approximately $17.5 million to complete, and will be cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments. Final funding arrangements are in the negotiation stage.
The Convention Centre is the next step in the Island’s investment in tourism infrastructure. The new facility will be adjoined to the Delta Prince Edward and owned by the Charlottetown and Area Development Corporation. The facility will be managed by the Delta subject to an operating agreement, which is being finalized.
If the development progresses as anticipated, the new facility will be hosting conventions in the fall of 2012.