Governments sweep cash into Summerside

City, province will benefit from national and international exposure as curlers chase their Olympic dreams

Summerside has received $30,000 from Island and Canadian taxpayers to showcase the city as a premier sport tourism destination.

The funding coincides with the final qualifying tournament for the 2017 Home Hardware Road to the Roar pre-trials which began Monday in the city.

The city is hosting the sevenday event at its Eastlink Centre at Credit Union Place. Sports tourism continues to be a growing segment of the tourism industry, which is why the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are helping the city to host and promote the event.

Both Ottawa and the province are contributing $15,000 to support the event and to help grow tourism in the late season.

In a release issued Friday, the federal government said the investment builds on commitments

made by Ottawa and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate the economy, including supporting key projects that support longterm growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

“A small city with big ambitions, the City of Summerside continues to attract high caliber events that bring with them impressive numbers of off-Island athletes and spectators along with national and international website, social media and television exposure,”

said Egmont MP Bobby Morrissey. “These guests not only provide immediate economic benefits, they become ambassadors for our great province. I am pleased to announce this Government of Canada investment that will reap positive benefits for Prince Edward Island.”

The cash was welcome news to Summerside Mayor Bill Martin.

“Events like this create new opportunities for local business and generate new development opportunities in our city,” Martin said.