DESIRÉE DECOSTE

STAFF WRITER

With tourism representing more than two per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product and supporting nearly 740,000 direct jobs across Canada, Prince Edward County is very much a part of that growing portion of the nation’s economy.

As such, the Federal government is making a large investment in a local winery that operates exclusively on 100 per cent solar energy.

On Wednesday, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte Neil Ellis, announced a federal grant totalling $100,000 for Harwood Estates Winery to establish rental accommodations nestled within their vineyard.

This family owned winery, which has been in operation since 2007 is now expanding to offer customers a new, unique tourism experience and is focused on sustainability, organic growing and hiring locally.

“Tourism is a backbone of the economy in Prince Edward County,” said Ellis. “Visitors from across Canada and around the world come here to experience the natural beauty, nature, art, food, and of course, our wineries. With FedDev Ontario funding through the Canadian Experiences Fund, Harwood Estate Vineyards will be able to offer year-round on-site accommodations, strengthening our tourism industry and benefitting the region as a whole.”

The rental cabins will allow tourists to stay on-site which will maximize their culinary and ecotourism experience all while encouraging more visitors to the region year-round.

The investment, which is made through FedDev Ontario’s Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), supports the creation, improvement or enhancement of tourism products, facilities and experiences.

“Strong regional economies are essential for Canada’s success and sustainability,” stated the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. “We are working with you to help businesses and innovators grow, succeed and create good jobs for Canadians. For that, we need to work together to make the right investments that will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This investment will help Prince Edward County attract visitors year-round, while showcasing the unique eco-tourism experiences the community has to offer.”

The support from the Government for this project will boost local economic growth, while showcasing the best that PEC has to offer, both to Canadians and visitors to Canada.

“I started my university at Ryerson, in the stream of Hospitality and Tourism Management,” said Kerry Wick of Harwood Estate Vineyards. “I recall one of my first professors saying, ‘The foundation of tourism is built on accommodations’. That phrase has stuck with me over the years, and in our quest at Harwood Estates, we work every day to build a memorable guest experience, including world-class wines and food, professional staff and, ultimately, a cluster of idyllic cottages nestled in between our two prime vineyards. It’s powerfully encouraging for us to discover that the Government of Canada shares our vision of Prince Edward County as a major Canadian tourism experience and has awarded is this very significant grant. Now we’ll do our part by deploying it towards our first of several guest accommodations, focusing on environmental-sustainability, providing local empowerment and offering locally-sourced goods and consumables, most of which will be grown by us.”

For more information on FedDev please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/intro

For more information on CEF please visit www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/134.nsf/eng/h_00002.html and

For a background on CEF please visit www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2019/05/government-of-canadas-new-federal-tourism-strategy-empowers-communities-across-the-country-to-create-jobs-for-the-middle-class.html

And for more information on Harwood Estate Vineyards please visit shop.harwoodestatevineyards.com/pages/about-us

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