The Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Helen Macdonald, MLA for St.Eleanors-Summerside, on behalf of the Department of Development and Technology; His Worship, Mayor Basil Stewart of Summerside; and Don Groom, Director of Tourism Summerside Ltd. and Chair of the Summerside Sustainable Tourism Initiative, were all on hand to cut the ribbon to officially open this latest component of the revitalization of downtown Summerside.

“ACOA was pleased to introduce the very successful sustainable tourism model thriving in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, to many of the members of Tourism Summerside. The ideas gained from that experience have directly led to the establishment of this tremendous centre in Summerside’s downtown,” said Minister McGuire, on behalf of ACOA and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. “The Shipyard Market, which complements the many attractions in the city, will be a real boon to commercial activity in the downtown attracting both tourists and local residents.”

"The Shipyard Market represents a significant investment in the re-development of the Summerside waterfront and reflects the provincial government's on-going commitment toward increasing tourism within this city and throughout PEI," said Ms. Macdonald. "This building is an important addition to the waterfront and will complement the existing and future businesses in the area.”

Along with retail space, the Shipyard Market includes an area for festivals and events and features an impressive cathedral ceiling and six large glass doors that open onto a 4000-square-foot deck that overlooks the harbour and Indian Head Lighthouse.

“The revitalization of our waterfront, through the establishment of attractions like the Shipyard Market in the west end, clearly demonstrates what an ambitious community can accomplish,” said Mayor Stewart. “As a focal point to encourage local business development and new tourism initiatives, this project has great long-term economic potential for the City of Summerside.

“We have been pleased to work closely with the Government of Canada, the Province of PEI and the City of Summerside to identify ways to ensure the long-term growth of tourism in Summerside,” said Don Groom. "We knew we had to come up with an original idea, something no one else was doing and it had to be an idea that would absolutely attract people to the downtown area. This market will do just that.”

ACOA contributed $450,000 through the Business Development Program. The provincial government provided $240,000 through the Community Economic Development Program. The Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology contributed $200,000 toward participant wages and overhead costs. The City of Summerside provided a contribution of $50,000.