A key tourism destination in the community of West Point will see improvements to the West Point Lighthouse Inn and Restaurant, as well as the Harbourside Centre, thanks to a combined investment from the federal and provincial governments, and the community.

“The Government of Canada, through its Economic Action Plan, is committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the economic growth, vitality and sustainability of rural communities,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “This investment in West Point will allow the community to build on the existing tourism base to ensure a solid and sustainable future.”

The project will relocate the West Point Lighthouse Restaurant to the Harbourside Centre in order to provide sustainability for the community centre. New construction includes a boardwalk, a welcome/information centre, interpretative signs and streetscape improvements, as well as expansive renovations to the interior of the West Point Lighthouse Inn.
“This project will help contribute to new economic activity and job growth in this rural area of west Prince County,” said Prince Edward Island Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. “As a government, we are committed to working with rural businesses and communities to help them grow and develop.”

The Government of Canada is investing $750,000 in this project through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). The Prince Edward Island Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, through Skills PEI, is investing over $470,000 and the Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development is contributing $90,000. West Point Development Corporation is contributing $178,500 in the project.

Only five Prince Edward Island lighthouses pre-date the West Point Lighthouse. It has a strong symbolic value as an important historic site and as an increasingly popular tourist attraction.
“We are pleased to have such a great investment put into these vital landmarks,” said Ralph Bulger, President of West Point Development Centre. “These improvements will provide sustainability for both our historic West Point Lighthouse and the Harbourside Centre, allowing West Point to continue as both a tourism destination and a vibrant community.”