BORDEN-CARLETON, P.E.I. — The Town of Borden-Carleton is getting an infusion of funding to help with Phase 1 of its Marine Rail Historic Park redevelopment.
The project will receive a total of $345,000 from the province, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the McCain Food Adjustment Fund. The provincial portion, $75,000, is a repayable loan while the other two sources are grants.
The money will be used for new and improve signage to direct visitors from the Confederation Bridge and highway to the Marine Rail Historic Park on the waterfront, conduct repairs to some of the park’s assets and install new lighting fixtures.
By enhancing the quantity and the quality of visitor experiences in the community, Borden-Carleton can grow its economy and establish itself as a must stop location where visitors kick off their Island adventure, said Borden-Carleton Mayor Charles MacKenzie.
“Investment in this project will increase the vibrancy of the waterfront and boost the economic vitality of the town. The project will concentrate on increasing destination potential by increasing connectivity between two of the town’s main tourism assets, Gateway Village and the Marine Rail Historic Park with the use of new signage and urban design features. These new plans will help us further develop the experiential tourism potential in our town.”
Malpeque MP Wayne Easter added the project should help keep visitors in Borden-Carleton a little longer.
“The early ice boats, the ferries and now the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge over ice-covered water, have all been part of the Island’s charm and personality,” he said. “I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the Town of Borden-Carleton’s work to build unique experiences that will encourage visitors to explore P.E.I.’s gateway community further.”
