Morrissey wants action on West Prince’s economy

The Member of Parliament for Egmont is expecting action early this year on a study the Alberton Community Development Corporation conducted on the western end of his riding. Bobby Morrissey said the western part of the Egmont riding has not experienced the same level of economic growth as the rest of his riding, but he’s hoping that’s going to change. Funding was made available to ACDC last spring to hire a consultant to conduct a West Prince economic opportunities study.

Paula Foley, a director with the corporation, said a steering committee consisting of corporation members and other members of the West prince community was formed and issued a request for proposals. MDB Insight was subsequently awarded the contract to conduct a study and presented the ACDC with its report and recommendations in August. Morrissey said he and the corporation have been studying up on the report.

“We wanted to be sure we’re in position to implement it,” he explained

Foley said the corporation wants to move forward with recommendations and has submitted funding applications to federal and provincial departments seeking assistance in hiring a staff person to oversee projects anywhere from Tyne Valley to North Cape.

“As we all know, volunteers are taxed more and more and more and it becomes difficult to move projects forward if you don’t have a dedicated staff person,” Foley noted.

“The economy seems to be doing well in the area, but we want things to happen to enhance that, and really grow that and come up with some new initiatives,” said Foley, suggesting potential in tourism and fisheries, in particular.

She anticipates a public rollout of the report soon. Morrissey said the study did a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing western P.E.I.