Aug 29 2013
The Prince Edward Island Convention Centre has officially opened its doors to larger and more complex conventions and trade shows.
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec; the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans; the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island; the Honourable Robert Vessey, Prince Edward Island Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister today formally celebrated the completion of PEI’s leading meeting facility.
“Our Government supports infrastructure investments like the Prince Edward Island Convention Centre that promote the Province as a premier destination to visit, work and do business,” said Minister Lebel. “We are proud to have invested in this significant infrastructure project, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada.”
“This new state-of-the-art convention centre is another feather in the cap for Prince Edward Island’s hospitality industry for which it is renowned,” said Minister Shea. “This important infrastructure project will enhance the lives of Islanders for generations to come.”
“By opening this beautifully expanded convention centre, we are inaugurating a new era of economic development in Prince Edward Island,” Premier Ghiz said. “Our investment has helped to create a destination facility that is already attracting companies and organizations from around the world.”
“This convention centre stands as a tribute to the skill and professionalism of the Island tradespeople who built it,” said Minister Vessey. “They are some of the best anywhere at what they do, and we owe them our thanks.”
With stunning views of the scenic Charlottetown waterfront, the new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre offers a multi-functional, 24,000-sq.-ft. convention space/ballroom, several adjoining breakout rooms, two permanent boardrooms, two conference offices, underground parking, plus an outdoor reception-style patio capable of accommodating approximately 600 guests. Attached to the Delta Prince Edward Hotel, this new facility will supplement the existing convention centre, built in 1981, to ensure that the province has the increased capacity required to remain competitive in the convention market.
The Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to promote and facilitate growth and commercial development in Charlottetown and the surrounding communities, will own the new facility.
“This is a state-of-the-art facility and it will put PEI on the convention planners’ map,” said David MacInnis, Chairman of the Board of the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation.
“Delta has a long and proud history in Charlottetown, and we are excited about the opportunities for growth that will come with the new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre and the renovations to our own property,” said Ken Greene, President and CEO, Delta Hotels and Resorts. “The combination of the warm Maritime hospitality that the region is known for and a world-class facility with incredible water views, will be certain to have a powerful impact on the destination.”
The total project cost is estimated at $24.3 million, with the Government of Canada contributing $8.6 million from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island will provide the balance of approximately $15.7 million for the project through Build PEI.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 965,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will support Canada’s infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up to date with Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or follow us on Twitter @INFC_eng.
For further information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance.html.
For more information on infrastructure programs in Prince Edward Island, visit www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.