The Regent Street Wharf will enhance its ability to serve visiting boaters thanks to a $35,000 investment from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, made the announcement today.

“The support we are providing the Regent Street Wharf through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund will benefit both the operations at the wharf and area businesses and in the process help the community continue to build on its natural economic strengths and advantages in the regional tourism sector,” said Minister Ashfield.”

The Regent Street Wharf project will increase its power supply from 15 amp to 30 amp service to ensure there is sufficient capacity to serve the varied power requirements of visiting boaters. The project involves the installation of new power receptacle towers on the wharf and a main underground service line connection from the transformer to the wharf. These improvements are expected to attract increased boat traffic and visitors to the area which will benefit merchants and businesses in downtown Fredericton.

“This investment is good news for Downtown Fredericton,” said Bruce McCormack, General Manager of Downtown Fredericton Inc. “The improvements to the wharf will encourage visitors and boat traffic to spend more time in our vibrant downtown community and enjoy all the historic and cultural sites, unique specialty shops and restaurants it has to offer.”

For more information on ACOA’s programs, visit our website at:http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Regent Street Wharf in Downtown Fredericton will provide boaters with better power service to meet their varied power requirements.

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced a $35,000 investment from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund toward the project.

These improvements are expected to attract increased boat traffic and visitors to the area, thereby enhancing the economic activities of the downtown businesses.

- 30 –

INFORMATION:

Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3687

Bruce McCormack
General Manager 
Downtown Fredericton Inc. 
506-458-8923