Repurposing of Former Sawmill in Georgetown to Create New Multi-tenant Facility

The local economic development organization in Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, is turning a 40,000 square foot former sawmill into a multi-tenant facility to house new and existing businesses. Georgetown Port Inc. will transform the former Georgetown Timber facility into a hub of manufacturing and marine technologies on PEI’s east coast, attracting new businesses and investment, and creating and retaining skilled jobs in the area.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today joined Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island, to announce combined investments of over $2.6 million to support the project, with ACOA providing $750,000 through its Innovative Communities Fund and the Province a $1,903,224 loan through the PEI Century Fund, which is administered by Finance PEI.

The project will include site preparation and demolition work, upgrades to plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, parking lot improvements, a 1,800 square foot addition to house a new loading dock, and general interior upgrades including partition walls and doorways.

This project builds on a shared federal and provincial government commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through targeted investments in infrastructure, as announced in July 2016 as part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy.

Quotes

“This project represents the spirit and determination of our communities across Atlantic Canada that have faced challenges in recent years and are taking their destiny into their own hands. The Atlantic Growth Strategy was created to support initiatives like this one, and the Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Government of Prince Edward Island to move this project forward and help build a brighter future for this community.”

-    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"After nine years of sitting idle, the Georgetown Timber facility will once again become a hub of activity and place of work for eastern Prince Edward Island. This property represents enormous opportunity to drive economic growth and contribute to the vitality of the Town of Georgetown."

-    The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island

“We have a tenant ready to move in when the work is done on this building, and we’ll be working to attract others as soon as possible. I’m pleased to see this project moving forward, and excited about the potential it will create in terms of jobs and economic growth for the Georgetown area.”

-     Tim Mair, President, Georgetown Port Inc.

Media contact:
Sheila Kerry
Senior Communications Officer
Economic Development and Tourism
Government of Prince Edward Island
902-620-3688
slkerry@gov.pe.ca