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Prince Edward Island Convention Centre is now open for business
As aerial acrobats unraveled from the ceiling on silk ribbons, guests toasted the new meeting and event facility that has transformed Charlottetown’s skyline.
Music and refreshments flowed during the grand celebration opening Charlottetown’s Convention Centre, a world-class facility expected to boost year-round tourism.
A cruise ship parked just outside the floor to ceiling windows in the new Ballroom and boat races in the harbour were the perfect backdrop for the official opening.
“Everyone migrated to the deck because it was absolutely beautiful,” said the Delta Prince Edward Hotel and Prince Edward Island Convention Centre’s, Director of Sales and Marketing Betty Anne Morrison.
The picture-perfect Opening was a fitting start to what is shaping up to be a banner few years for the local economic.
Grand Opening of Prince Edward Island Convention Centre
The Prince Edward Island Convention Centre officially opened its doors to larger and more complex conventions and trade shows on August 28, 2013.
Officials including Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson (left), Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Robert Vessey, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea, and Premier Robert Ghiz prepare to cut a ceremonial cake celebrating the grand opening of the Prince Edward Island Convention Centre on August 28.
People in the industry refer to “city wides” when they fill 3 or more hotels in the city.
“More than half of the groups on the books in 2014, we would not have been able to bring in without the new meeting and event space,” Morrison said.
And the groups on the books are pacing ahead for 2015 and 2016.
Premier Robert Ghiz told the crowd at the opening that government’s investment has helped to create a destination facility that is already attracting companies and organizations from around the world.
Without modern, larger convention space, Prince Edward Island could have lost up to 30 per cent of its convention business. However, with the addition of this new facility, PEI is poised to see a 30 per cent increase in convention activity.
“The meetings and convention business in Prince Edward Island is a $20 million business,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Robert Vessey.
The PEI Convention Centre offers a multifunctional, 24,000 sq.ft. convention space/ballroom, several adjoining breakout rooms, two permanent boardrooms, two conference offices, underground parking, plus an outdoor reception-style patio capable of accommodating approximately 600 guests. Attached to the Delta Prince Edward Hotel, this new facility will supplement the existing hotel Ballroom, built in 1981, to ensure that the province has the increased capacity required to remain competitive in the convention market.
The total project cost is estimated at $24.3 million, with the Government of Canada contributing $8.6 million from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island will provide the balance of approximately $15.7 million for the project through Build PEI.
The two-year project saw the redesign of the existing building and creation of the new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre on perhaps the most picturesque piece of waterfront property in the city.
“We now have the potential to take larger groups and extend our season from May to October and extend it into slower seasons with more regional business,” Morrison said.
“Increased capacity will allow us to meet, feed and exhibit more than 1,000 people under one roof. With 700 to 1000 people, with other hotels so close by, it will help fill those rooms as over flow hotels and all the restaurants, so it’s fabulous for the city of Charlottetown and the province.”
