Egmont Bay -
A landmark church once the focal point of this Acadian community, and razed after succumbing to the ravages of age, is being replaced with a park.
The tourism and cultural park will pay homage to Acadian and other Canadian soldiers.
Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, along with Evangeline-Miscouche MLA Sonny Gallant and Fr. Eloi Arsenault, pastor of St. Philippe and St. Jacques Roman Catholic Church, were at the site Thursday morning to announce the new venture.
The park will be on the site of the old St. Philippe and St. Jacques Roman Catholic Church in Egmont Bay.
"This will allow them to build a park which will honour the Canadian veterans of the area which I think is so important. The Government of Canada remembers the courage and the heroism of Acadian soldiers who fought to defend our freedoms," Shea said.
Along with honouring veterans, the new park will aid in tourism.
"Our government's investment in this culture park will support local tourism and attract visitors to the Evangeline region," the minister said. "This has been the focal point of the community. It's a small rural community and by our replacing the church with a park it will allow this area to still be the focal point."
Gallant said the idea of a tourism culture park came from the community.
"The church was in disrepair and the community had to make a decision so they decided to bring it down," Gallant said. "The community got together and formed a committee and they decided to make a memorial park for our veterans. This is a community that is rightly proud both of its Acadian heritage and its wartime history. This park will be a perfect reminder of our ancestor's legacy and a great place to enjoy the beauty of our Northumberland Strait shoreline. This will be a great addition to our community. It's a wonderful idea."
Arsenault said the realization of the new park could not have been achieved without the support of the federal and provincial governments.
"The members of le Club Social de Baie Egmont and the people of our community are very thankful and delighted to have the help of ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Skills P.E.I. for this special project," he said.
ACOA is contributing $72,515 through the Innovative Communities Fund and the Province is investing $56,847 through Skills P.E.I. for a total project value of $129,362.
