Stompin' Tom Connors centre Canada Day opening planned

Requests for proposals have gone out for the building, landscape and exhibit designs of the Stompin' Tom project in Skinners Pond.

Stompin' Tom Connors' old school house will be renovated and will house exhibits. His childhood homestead will be repaired and open for viewing, and a new Stompin' Tom centre will be built. It will have retail space, a cafe and an entertainment space.

"It's very exciting," said Anne Arsenault, general manager and CEO of Tignish Initiatives.

"It's a nice little project in a rural part of P.E.I. and a lot of people are looking forward to it. It will be a great opportunity to share some of the local culture with visitors."

While all the tenders haven't closed yet, the project is expected to cost $1.95 million.

Construction is planned to begin in late fall with a grand opening scheduled for Canada Day.