“We want to see the economic revitalization of Grand Tracadie and make it a tourist destination for all visitors, which it was in the old days,” Banks says. “In the late 1800s there was a famous health and wellness resort in Grand Tracadie called the Lorne Hotel. Tourists would travel from all over, with some travelling over 30 hours by boat to visit in the summers. Unfortunately, the hotel burned down in 1906. The area was also known for canneries which have since closed.” Now, says Banks, the resort wants to restore Grand Tracadie back to its former glory through their sustainability program. “We want to bring jobs to the area and teach entrepreneurship. Supporting the local community is a key strategy for Blackbush, prioritizing hiring from the local community and having many employees from the North Shore surrounding area.” On the restaurant front, Banks says they want to work with as many local suppliers as possible. “Prince Edward Island has some incredible products and services and we're proud to showcase them. We want to work with as many local suppliers as possible. One of our key local suppliers is Maple Bloom Farms, which is an organic farm located in Grand Tracadie. Other suppliers include East Point Potatoes, ADL, and Duinkerken Foods.” When it comes to the resort and adding value to the property, Banks
says that will also be done through partnerships with external local companies. The resort will partner again this summer with Outside
new addition will be Harry’s Dairy Bar at Blackbush operated by young entrepreneur Harrison Duffy of Somerset Ice Cream from Kinkora, PEI. Also new to open will be a fish market that will serve the North Shore, providing fishermen with an outlet to sell their catch, and where customers
Expeditions at Blackbush who will continue to offer kayak and paddle board rentals. An exciting
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