Morrissey wants action on West Prince’s economy

Study commissioned by Alberton development group will provide guidance

“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.” Paula Foley

The MP for Egmont expects action early this year on a study the Alberton Community Development Corporation (ACDC) 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, 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 of ACDC, 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 awarded the contract to conduct a study and presented the corporation with its report and recommendations in August.

Morrissey said he and the corporation have been reviewing the report.

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

Foley said the corporation wants to move forward with recommendations and has submitted funding applications to federal and provincial departments seeking assistance in hiring staff to oversee projects between Tyne Valley and 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 said. “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.”

Foley suggested potential projetcs 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.