Issued jointly by the provincial Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning and Holland College

Charlottetown, PE - The location of Holland College West Prince Campus - at the corner of Main and Church Streets in Alberton - will allow area residents to further their education within their home communities, says Premier Robert Ghiz.

"We have consulted extensively with local residents, with area businesses and with students at Westisle High School. The West Prince Campus in Alberton - with satellite locations in O'Leary and Tignish - will reflect the needs of the local economy and the interests of learners in the West Prince region," the premier said Monday.

"I'm pleased to announce a campus that will not only be an addition to the education and training options for West Prince, but also a landmark for this community."

Premier Ghiz joined Mike O'Grady, Holland College's Vice President of Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development, and Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, to announce the new college location and to unveil concept drawings for the campus.

"As the community college of Prince Edward Island, Holland College is excited to be able to work with the West Prince community to provide the best in post-secondary opportunities for residents of the region," said Mr. O'Grady.

Mr. LeClair said the new campus helps further government's goals of promoting rural development.

"Our Rural Action Plan recognizes that economic development and educational opportunities are important components of healthy rural communities. The West Prince Campus of Holland College serves both of these aims," he said.

The approximately 22,000 sq.-ft. building will house two large trade shops, several classrooms and multi-purpose rooms, which will be available for use by the West Prince community.

The West Prince Campus of Holland College will begin accepting students in the fall of 2011. An open house is planned for later this summer to offer a detailed look at construction plans and to give the public and potential students an advance look at the programs that will be offered at the new campus.