Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., wants visitors to see beyond the bridge

Many people know Borden-Carleton as the first town you hit when you take the bridge to Prince Edward Island.

But residents and local business owners say the area has a lot to offer for those who don't just pass through.

The community wants to increase its profile as a tourist destination. A local group recently received a grant from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agencyto hire a consultant to look into tourism options for the area.

I think after the bridge opened, Gateway Village was built, and there was a big hoopla about that, and then it kind of died down. Jeannette Arsenault

"I think after the bridge opened, Gateway Village was builtand there was a big hoopla about that, and then it kind of died down, so this community has been kind of just kind of there," said Jeannette Arsenault, co-chair of Borden-Carleton's Strategic Tourism Expansion Program.

The south shore area boasts some of the best beaches on the Islandand is home to fascinating marine and railroad history,Arsenaultsays.

The group is hosting a public meetingTuesday night to start brainstorming ideas on what attractions or products could make visitors want to spend more time in Borden-Carleton.

"It is the entry point for probably 90 per cent of the tourists to P.E.I., so I think it's really, really timely that we try to do something to bring that...up to what it should be," Arsenault said.

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