O’LEARY, PEI –
On March 18, Egmont MP Bobby Morrissey and Provincial Fisheries and Community Secretary Jamie Fox announced the provincial and federal funding of tourism operations in West Prince.
“Rural PEI is so important to our economy,” said Fox. “These organizations bring so much to the table that people see what we have to offer.”
The provincial government will provide $ 282,000 and the federal government $ 500,000 for initiatives such as the Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary, the Alberton Community Development Corporation, and the North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership.
“It’s very exciting,” said Donna Rowley, who manages the Canadian Potato Museum.
O’Leary’s Canadian Potato Museum has been under renovation since fall 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end of April.
With the money, the museum can improve the exhibits as well as expand the kitchen, dining area, and gift shop. As part of the ongoing renovation work, the museum is also planning a screened dining area.
“This is something unique in this area,” said Rowley. “There aren’t really many opportunities for people to have lunch outside in a secluded area. I’m really looking forward to this part. “
Alberton’s Camp Kildare, an eco-tourism center for exploring nature in the area, will also benefit from the funding announcement.
A kayak start is added at camp, and shoulders are paved for access to the Confederation Trail. The camp is also planning to build an additional room for receptions and catering.
The Camp Kildare expansion project is expected to be completed in midsummer.
The North Cape Coastal Tourism Area Partnership is also receiving this funding, which is providing marketing and training to help tourism businesses recover from the pandemic.
“The Canadian government … has faith in the future,” said Morrissey. “We are confident that our economy will grow. We are confident that tourism will recover. “
Kristin Gardiner is the rural reporter for Journal Pioneer.
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