Media Release - New Stratford event space to welcome visitors and residents (October 18, 2024)
October 18, 2024 · Stratford, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
As one of the fastest growing communities in PEI, the Town of Stratford is committed to meeting the needs of its residents by increasing access to health and wellness services, cultural activities, and new business opportunities. The Government of Canada understands that investments in community infrastructure bring long-term economic benefits with improved quality of life for all.
A place to celebrate
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, attended the grand opening of the new Stratford Waterfront Gathering and Event Space, and announced a total investment of $500,000 to the Town of Stratford to support the extensive boardwalk and event ground upgrades. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
Minister MacAulay was joined by Stratford Deputy Mayor Steve Gallant and the Honourable Gilles Arsenault, PEI Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action.
The new gathering space, part of a larger waterfront core area development plan, features prominently the existing Michael Thomas Statue and Diversity Fountain, erected in 2014. Additions include an extended timber boardwalk and large plaza with seating, lookout platforms, electrical for outdoor performances, as well as lighting upgrades along the boardwalk. The investment will promote active transportation, elevate tourism, and support business growth within the community.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s dedication to a more inclusive, greener, and sustainable future for communities in Atlantic Canada.
Quotes
“Stratford is a growing community with exciting ideas and bright minds. Through these investments, your federal government is helping to build on the incredible strengths in the region to ensure that the Stratford waterfront remains a gathering space for visitors and locals alike.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“It has been a real pleasure to watch this vision for the Town of Stratford come together. This new event space, centred around the statue of Michael Thomas and overlooking the water, is a perfect place to celebrate the community, and I have no doubt it will continue to be a place for folks to gather for years to come.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“The province’s Active Transportation Fund has been supporting projects that encourage more walking and biking since 2020, and we were pleased to support the active transportation portion of this event space with $500,000 last year. It is great to see this new Stratford Waterfront Gathering and Event Space open for the community and visitors to get outdoors and get active.”
- The Honourable Gilles Arsenault, PEI Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action
“The additional infrastructure added to Michael Thomas Waterfront Park is a great step forward for the Town of Stratford and surrounding area, as well as for visitors to this space. The boardwalk has made the park more accessible and welcoming, with the lighting and other enhancements helping to ensure the park is available beyond only a passive day use space. We look forward to hosting events and other activities in the park, and are pleased to be inviting residents into the space now to come check it out.”
- Mayor Steve Ogden, Town of Stratford
Quick facts
• The Town of Stratford is connected to the City of Charlottetown via the Hillsborough Bridge, which features an active transportation lane that ties into the new event space.
• In the 2021 census, the population of Stratford was 10,927, and is expected to reach nearly 15,000 by 2026 according to the town's Growth Management Strategy.
• The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
• The Province of PEI is providing a contribution of $500,000 for the project, through its Active Transportation Fund.
Associated links
• Innovative Communities Fund
• Town of Stratford
• Active Transportation Fund
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
[email protected]
David Fleming
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
[email protected]
Katie Cudmore Environment, Energy, and Climate Action Government of Prince Edward Island [email protected]
Wendy Watts Community & Business Engagement Manager Town of Stratford [email protected]
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