Web Archive
aussi disponible en français
March 18, 2014
For immediate release
Province supports community development in eastern PEI
Tourism and Culture
“BCDC is perfectly suited to take on a lease of this facility,” said Minister Henderson. “It owns the adjacent golf course, pool and mini putt and it has a strong track record in terms of regional economic development. The lease agreement between the province and BCDC strengthens the area’s tourism product and will give the community an opportunity to better market local offerings to potential visitors.”
As part of the agreement, the Department of Tourism and Culture will provide a grant of $72,000 to help fund the addition of 3-way campsites at Lord Selkirk and for operational costs during the first year. The Department will provide an additional $11,000 toward operational costs in year two of the lease and then its financial obligations will be fulfilled. If BCDC opts out of the lease, the property will revert back to provincial control.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to take control of one of our area’s more important tourism products,” said BCDC Chair David Cooper. “The campground makes an excellent addition to our existing properties nearby, including Belfast Highland Greens, Belfast Mini-Putt and Belfast Pool. We see this as a great opportunity to market the combined properties as a single family-friendly destination for campers and golfers.”
The province has implemented similar leases at other provincial park campgrounds over the years, most recently at Green Park in Port Hill.
“By giving the community the ability to market the campground as part of a larger tourism attraction, there will be increased potential for visitation to the area,” said Belfast-Murray River MLA Charles McGeoghegan. “I think this is an excellent opportunity for the community, and a great way to support development in the area. I’m also very pleased to see the province will be there to assist with the transition.”
Tourism is a vital industry in Prince Edward Island that provides over 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs for Islanders. It accounts for approximately $380 million in economic activity each year and seven percent of GDP, the highest percentage of any Canadian province.
