A three-day paddling festival in P.E.I. will aim to get more tourists and Islanders exploring the province’s coastal communities.
The Sea the Coast Paddle Festival, put on by the Central Coastal Tourism Partnership (CCTP), will also benefit from $50,000 in joint federal and provincial funding. Based in Borden-Carleton June 22-24, it includes a two-day paddling excursion from the Confederation Bridge to Victoria-by-the-Sea.
It will also include coastal and river paddling for all skill levels, while aiming to celebrate P.E.I.’s coastal communities, authentic food and Indigenous culture.
The federal government, through ACOA’s Business Development program, is providing a $25,000 non-repayable contribution to CCTP to provide paddling adventures, workshops, entertainment, cultural demonstrations and Island-produced food during the festival.
The provincial government will also provide $25,000 to support the festival.
Economic Development and Tourism Minister Chris Palmer said the event will give both Islanders and visitors an opportunity to explore P.E.I. during the shoulder season.
“This event is directly in line with industry and government’s efforts to develop soft adventure products in rural parts of the province during the early part of the season,” said Palmer.
The funding announcement was made during Canada’s Tourism Week.
With tourism being a major industry in P.E.I., Malpeque MP Wayne Easter, who presented the funding on behalf of ACOA Minister Navdeep Bains, said it demonstrated government’s commitment to supporting tourism operators.
“Sea the Coast is a wonderful opportunity to explore and experience the Island’s authentic coastal communities,” said Easter.
The investment is also based on commitments made by the federal government and four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region. The Atlantic Growth Strategy aims to support the region’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors and creating new jobs.
CCTP president Derrick Hoare said the group was pleased to work with funding partners, community collaborators, tourism operators and cultural organizations for the upcoming event.
“Sea the Coast is sure to be a success with all partners involved and our association looks forward to furthering tourism on the Island.”
