Georgetown Port Inc. is receiving funding to complete upgrades and enhancements to its facilities, with the goal of attracting new businesses and visitors to the community. In addition, W&R Fisheries Ltd. is receiving repayable assistance from the government of Canada and Active Communities Inc. for upgrades to meet market demand for their products.
Gail Shea, minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and P.E.I. Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley were in Georgetown recently to announce the funding.
Georgetown Port is receiving $100,000 through ACOA and $102,000 from the province, through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development’s Island Community Fund, for upgrades to an existing facility in Georgetown for use as a multi-purpose, multi-tenant facility. Completing these upgrades will enable Georgetown Port Inc. to attract local businesses and help them expand their capabilities.
The port is also receiving $38,500 from ACOA and $7,500 from the province, through the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development’s Regional Development Support Program, to execute the Tourism Atlantic Strategic Tourism Expansion Program (STEP), and complete a port readiness workshop for the Town of Georgetown. Through the implementation of the STEP program, the port hopes to improve its tourism product and increase cruise ship visitation to the area.
At the same time, W&R Fisheries Ltd. received $34,423 in repayable assistance from ACOA and $34,422 from Active Communities Inc. to purchase equipment required to expand its operations. The company will move into a new facility owned by Georgetown Port in order to process and sell its popular cultured blue mussels throughout eastern North America.
