Financing provided by the province will assist with the expansion and enhancement of an important employer and tourism asset in Cavendish, says Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Heath MacDonald.
“The province is proud to partner with Shining Waters and Maritime Fun Group on a major expansion that will see the installation of two new rides and the construction of a new and larger maintenance shop,” said Minister MacDonald. “This expansion will create new jobs, and will enhance the park’s offerings to customers. We are confident this will improve the park’s profitability and make it more attractive to visitors and Islanders alike. Shining Waters is an incredibly important part of the region’s tourism product and a big reason why Cavendish is a major draw for the family market.”
Today Minister MacDonald joined the park’s operators to unveil a new ride, the Crazy Submarine, which was purchased from Crystal Palace in 2014. As well today, Maritime Fun Group announced the construction of another new ride at Shining Waters to open in 2016. The Buccaneer Bay Bullet roller coaster will further improve the park’s already impressive facilities and will make a positive contribution to the park’s bottom line. It too was purchased from Crystal palace in 2014. Construction will begin later this year.
The province is providing $300,000 in repayable financing to support the purchase and construction of the new rides and maintenance shop. The new building will enable the Maritime Fun Group to expand its maintenance season creating new positions and extending others.
"These rides will allow Shining Waters to continue to provide memorable experiences to our guests,” said Maritime Fun Group President Matthew Jelley. “The construction of the Buccaneer Bay Bullet will be the largest project we have undertaken since the initial construction of the park in 2006. The year round maintenance shop will ensure that we can attract and retain skilled workers, while maintaining our facilities at the level our guests have come to expect."
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is a major supporter of the tourism industry on Prince Edward Island. Financing currently provided to the industry totals nearly 15 percent of the total loan portfolio held by the department and its crown agencies. That financing is vital to allowing businesses to expand or setup operations. The department also provides millions of dollars in grants and in kind services to support the growth of the industry and to maintain the province’s position as a world class tourism destination.