Wind Energy Institute Funding Cut

Once again the Stephen Harper Conservative government has shown it's total lack of understanding and committment to the issue of climate change. The announcement this week that it is no longer going to fund the Canadian Wind Energy Institute at North Cape, Prince Edward Island is another example of the "head in the sand" approach this government takes to anything related to the environment. The Wind Test Site has been operating for 30 years and recognized as a worldwide leader in researching and testing of wind turbine technology. Prince Edward Island's move to increase the amount of electricity it generates from wind is a direct result of the presence and expertise of the this facility.

If the Wind Energy Institute is forced to close because of lack of funding, western Prince Edward Island will suffer a double blow.....not only will it lose this valuable research facility, it will also lose a major tourist attraction. Thousands of people travel up to North Cape every year to see the many different wind turbines on the site, visit the interpretive centre and marvel at the technology. Discussions began recently with the WEI to develop experiential activities at the site to allow visitors more direct access to the Institute and its scientists.

As a tourism operator in Prince Edward Island we regularly send guests to North Cape to see the wind test site....without that facility, fewer tourists will make the journey to that end of the Island and that will affect everyone in that region of the province.

The provncial government announced this week a major initiative aimed at enhancing the presenence of high tech industries in Prince Edward Island. Wind technology figured prominently in that initiative......that is now in jeopardy because of the federal Conserviate government's short sighted policies.

Just when I think Stephen Harper and his bunch can't do anything more to damage this country, they surprise me again.

Experiential Tourism

We got some great news this week. We have been hired to work with the North Cape Coastal Drive group to develop some new experiential theme tours. We're really excited about this project because it's another indication of the growing recognition of the importance of providing tourists to Prince Edward Island with unique experiences to enhance their visit to the Island. When we started Experience PEI we had a vision....to share our Island with visitors in a completely different way....in a way that actually allows folks from away to meet and interact with Islanders....to learn about life here by participating in it. It's great to see others....NCCD, Tourism Charlottetown and Tourism PEI embracing the idea and working with us to establish Prince Edward Island as a leader in this approach to tourism. The Island is an amazing place to visit....it is the Gentle Island of Rejuvenation....It is the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables. It is miles and miles of amazing coastline and stunning beaches. And it is a place where you can truly rejuvenate yourself by spending time with amazing people doing fascinating things.

Gay Friendly Prince Edward Island

I was contacted today by a freelance writer wanting to know what I think of the tiny notice that appears in the new edition of the Prince Edward Island Visitor's Guide indicating that PEI is a gay friendly location. The barely noticeable couple of sentences refers to the Island as being welcoming of GLBT visitors and to provie it, all you have to do is visit Purple Roofs and look up gay friendly accommodations in Prince Edward Island.

As a gay welcoming tourist operator, member of PFLAG Canada-PEI and father of a lesbian I have mixed emotions about the fact that our Tourism Department is finally acknowledging it might be a good idea to promote the Island to the GLBT market.

On one hand, it's a positive step in the right direction. It's certainly more than the previous Conservative government ever did....it being so homophobic it dragged its feet until it had no choice but to recognize same gender marriages. The current Liberal government is at least prepared to utter the words "gay friendly" in relationship to tourism. But we're still a long way from actually, publicly courting the GLBT market in the way Halifax and other locations are doing.

Change comes very slowly to small, conservative communities. I'd like to trumpet the idea that Prince Edward Island is a safe, welcoming place for GLBT travellers but I know in my heart we're not yet ready to claim that label but this gesture on the part of Tourism PEI is at least a step in the right direction.