The Minister of Tourism, Philip Brown, today announced that an agreement has been struck with an area resident, John Havenga, to lease Strathgartney Park, allowing the park to open to the public as early as this week.
“I am very pleased that this arrangement has transpired and that we have been able to accommodate Mr. Havenga in his pursuit to take over Strathgartney Park,” stated Minister Brown. “Closing the park was a difficult decision for government to make and I’m happy to see a suitable alternative which allows the public the same access it had while Strathgartney was a provincial park.”
The agreement will see a three-year lease between government and the operator, enabling the campground to open from late June to early September. This arrangement will enable Mr. Havenga to welcome the public and community to use the park just as they have in the past. Tourism PEI staff will now focus on further arrangements to finalize a lease agreement with Island Nature Trust to manage the remaining woodland property at Strathgartney.
Mr. Havenga stated, “I am excited to take over the operation of the campground and are confident I can make this work.” He added, “I’m aware of the importance of Strathgartney to the surrounding area and look forward to keeping the park operational for both tourists and Islanders to enjoy.”
The park will be renamed “Strathgartney Campground” and open to the public mid-June, 2005.