At a news conference held today in Borden-Carleton, Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, announced the implementation of Phase II in the development of Gateway Village.
"First impressions are lasting impressions and Gateway Village is the first attraction visitors see when they arrive on the Island by the Confederation Bridge," said Minister MacAleer. "By further developing Gateway Village, we enable visitors to preview some of the attractions, products, services and world-renowned Island hospitality that exist across our beautiful Island."
Presently, Gateway Centre consists of "Our Island Home" Exhibition Pavilion, a visitor information centre, The Official Island Store, food service and a three-hectare park. An expansion of Gateway Village will offer space to entrepreneurs interested in establishing specialty retail and tourism businesses.
"I am extremely pleased with the proposed expansion of Gateway Village," said Eric Hammill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and MLA for Borden-Kinkora. "This creates a number of economic benefits for the area including much needed short-term and long-term job creation."
"Gateway Village is a positive step in the re-development of Borden-Carleton," said Gabe Keough, Chairperson, Community of Borden-Carleton. "I hope this expansion will continue not only to encourage new business but to increase the number of visitors to the Island."
Gateway Village Phase II is a direct result of the success Gateway Centre achieved in its first year of operation. This success was measured in terms of generating traffic, offering visitors a variety of services and products, the economic impacts and its financial performance.