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“Investments in the historic Charlottetown waterfront will stimulate economic activity in the downtown core and contribute to the continued success of the city as a beacon for tourists,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The Charlottetown harbour was a focal point of the day’s announcements. Minister MacKay announced it will benefit from more than $20 million in upgrades and improvements, including the construction of a multi-purpose event centre, repairs to the Marine Terminal, construction of a floating breakwater and a boardwalk extension. The project is expected to be completed by December 2007.

Of the total funding amount, ACOA will contribute $2 million through its Innovative Communities Fund. On behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister MacKay also confirmed that the Government of Canada and the Province are working toward a contribution agreement to provide up to $4.5 million through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc. (CHAI) will contribute $12.4 million, and the Prince Edward Island Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will provide $2 million.

“Islanders will take a great sense of pride in this project as it further develops an area of great historical significance to PEI and makes it a more attractive place to visit and do business,” said the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island.

Today’s announcement was made from the new Cruise Ship Welcome Centre, which is under construction and scheduled to open in May 2007, before the first cruise ship arrival. Once a commercial warehouse building, it will become the first stop for cruise ship passengers arriving in the city.

ACOA and CHAI provided funding to the welcome centre for enhancements that include mechanical and electrical upgrades, the installation of floor-to-ceiling glass panels to provide a better view of Charlottetown’s picturesque sight lines and the separation of two former warehouses to create distinct spaces for industrial and commercial activity. ACOA provided $500,000 to the project under its Business Development Program, and CHAI contributed $200,000.

“We are pleased to work with government partners on an initiative that is so important to the Charlottetown harbour, which we see as the focal point of downtown Charlottetown,” said Stan MacPherson, Chair of the Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc.