Future Tech West is one of three rural IT centres recently introduced to the province. The other two, located in Kensington and Poole's Corner, have already opened. The three centres, which share resources with the Atlantic Technology Centre in Charlottetown, form a sophisticated web of IT networks across the province.

"The idea for this facility was born out of this community's desire to capitalize on emerging opportunities for rural economic development within the Information Technology sector. As an IT Centre of Excellence for Agriculture, Future Tech West will specialize in developing business ideas, providing training and offering specialized computer services," noted Mr. McGuire on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development. "The ideas generated here will lead to employment opportunities right here in western PEI in the rapidly growing IT sector."

"With the addition of Future Tech West, O'Leary and neighbouring communities will have the opportunity to access the latest technologies and will now have a very level playing field to compete for business with the Islands' major centres," said Minister Currie. "As a satellite office of the Atlantic Technology Centre, this facility will be able to take advantage of many opportunities arising within this dynamic sector."

Future Tech West is committed to bringing information and communications technology to the community while offering business clients access to a state-of-the-art facility and quality leasing space. The facility also offers services such as a "smart boardroom," equipped with video conferencing capabilities, and a 16-computer training lab. There will also be a community access program (CAP) site housed within the facility.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our community and for all of western PEI," added Denton Ellis, board member of the O'Leary Development Corporation. "This area offers such a tremendous quality of life and with the addition of this high-tech facility we're convinced that entrepreneurs will see the obvious advantages to starting their businesses here."

The Future Tech West IT Business Centre was funded by a number of partners. ACOA provided a contribution of $262,500 through the Strategic Community Investment Fund. Technology PEI put forward $201,935, and a $24,400 contribution was also provided by the Department of Development and Technology through the Strategic Infrastructure program. The Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology, will provide up to $72,426 in wages and overhead costs. The O'Leary Development Corporation contributed an additional $67,000, which includes $50,000 from the Town of O'Leary.