New VIC on the way

The money just keeps on flowing for Queens Co.

On Aug. 26, MP Gerald Keddy and Minister State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Keith Ashfield announced almost $300,000 for two projects in South Queens.

The pair announced $200,815 for the construction of a new visitor information centre in Liverpool, and $86,857 for upgrades to the Seaside Recreation and Community Centre.

Anne Langille, Director of the Liverpool VIC said the announcement is fantastic. “We’re really limited in space and what we can do right now.”

The current VIC is almost 30 years old, and has reached the end of its lifespan. The project will include improvements to the surrounding waterfront infrastructure and upgrades to walkways and parking facilities to increase aesthetic appeal, safety and accessibility.

Ian Kent of the Seaside Recreation and Community Centre Association commented, “The upgrades will make the Seaside Centre more accessible for both people with disabilities and other visitors on a year-round basis, and help to reduce operating costs.”

Kent also took time to acknowledge Ken Wilkinson, who has tirelessly worked for the building when it was a school, and was there from day one when it became the Seaside Centre

The Seaside Recreation and Community Centre project includes the creation of an access path from the facility to the beach, upgrades to increase the accessibility of the facility, enhancements to the current heating system, and the replacement of windows. The project will also support the installation of informational signage along Highway 103 and Route 3.

Ashfield praised the area’s cultural aspects, like the Hank Snow Centre, and the beauty of the natural landscapes. “It’s not surprising people have been flocking to the area for a long time,” he said.

He said projects like these are crucial to the economic health of the area, because they provide employment and give tourism operators the tools to get noticed. “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting communities hard hit by this global economic downturn,” said MP Keddy. “Investments in tourism infrastructure will foster long-term prosperity in the Region of Queens and help the community weather the current economic crisis.”

Deputy Mayor Darlene Norman pointed out the many assets all around Queens Co., adding these projects will be a benefit to all of them. “The challenges are great, as in all areas, but we face those challenges with our chin up and looking towards the future,” said Deputy Mayor Darlene Norman.

The new VIC will be constructed next to the current one in Centennial Park, and completed before winter. Upgrades and landscaping around the new VIC will be done by summer 2010.

The Seaside Recreation Centre work will take 3-4 months, but will not interfere with the popular Seaside Centre Craft Market taking place on Sept. 19 and 20.