“Our Government’s investment in this cultural park will support local tourism and attract visitors to the Evangeline region,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “The Government of Canada remembers the courage and heroism of Acadian soldiers, who fought to defend our freedoms.”

The park will be built on the site of the old St. Philippe and St. Jacques Roman Catholic Church in Egmont Bay.

“This is a community that is rightly proud both of its Acadian heritage and its wartime history. This park will be perfect reminder of our ancestors’ legacy and a great place to enjoy the beauty of our Northumberland Strait shoreline,” said Sonny Gallant, MLA for Evangeline – Miscouche.

“This will be a great addition to our community.”

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is contributing $72,515 through the Innovative Communities Fund and the province of PEI will contribute $56,847 through Skills PEI.

“The members of the *le Club Social de Baie Egmont* and the people of our community are very thankful and delighted to have the help of ACOA and Skills P.E.I for this special project,” said Father Arsenault, Pastor of the old St. Philippe and St. Jacques church. “Although our church has been demolished, this project will allow us to transform the site into a Memorial Park dedicated to Acadian culture in memory of Acadian and Canadian soldiers. I would like to thank all government agencies and people involved in making this project possible.”

The memorial park will give residents and tourists an area to celebrate Acadian and Francophone culture, while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. The memorial component will allow visitors to reflect on the sacrifices and bravery of Acadian and Canadian soldiers throughout the 20th century.