The Montague waterfront has been undergoing a revitalization over the past year. A new hotel, an important part of that project, was officially opened this afternoon in Montague. "The Montague area is growing in popularity as a tourism destination," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada. "Developments such as this hotel, complement the natural beauty of the area and foster tourism and economic growth in the region. The Government of Canada recognizes the value of partnering with other levels of government and with the private sector in the economic development of the Town of Montague through developments on the Waterfront."
Rodd Marina Inn & Suites is an accommodation with 52 guestrooms and 12 suites. It is located on the banks of the Montague River in the town's waterfront development area. Built by developers George & Mary Matheson, the three and 1/2 star hotel will be managed by Rodd Hotels & Resorts. In keeping with the history and tradition of the area, Rodd Marina Inn & Suites is decorated in tribute to our seaside heritage.
"An appreciation of our history is key to building and maintaining strong communities," said the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "This development is a reminder of the central role that Montague has played, and continues to play, as a hub of activity for our province. The Marina Inn and Suites investment is a key contributor to the strategic development of Eastern PEI's growing small business and tourism sectors."
Montague's historic train station, also located on the waterfront has welcomed visitors to the area for close to a century. It is appropriate that the newly restored train station together with this hotel will now welcome tourists to the region.
Fourteen new jobs have been created by the establishment of the Rodd Marina and Suites. The creation of full time employment in the rural areas is important to building stronger communities.
"This is an exciting time for economic revitalization and tourism development in the Montague area," commented developer George Matheson. "We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Montague and to offering quality accommodations and service."
Funding for this project was provided by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), and the Government of Prince Edward Island. ACOA has provided a $1 million repayable contribution under the Business Development Program. HRDC has provided a contribution of $204,000. The Provincial Government has provided a low interest loan of $950,000 to the project.
For more information, please contact:
Brian Schmeisser, Director of Corporate Affairs and Trade, ACOA, (902) 566-7422 Brenda Beaton, Human Resources Development Canada, (902) 566-7667
Kandace Ling, Enterprise PEI, (902) 894-0367 Kim Greene, Rodd Hotels & Resorts, (902) 629-2306