Support from the federal and provincial governments for projects in Sherbrooke, Spring Valley, Crapaud, Rustico, and at Camp Segunakadeck, will assist with much-needed upgrades and improvements at community-based facilities.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie), and the Honourable Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, along with community representatives today announced funding for upgrades to five community facilities in western and central Prince Edward Island.
“I am proud to see our Island communities benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund,” said Minister Shea. “Community facilities are the natural gathering points in our neighbourhoods and these investments will enhance the quality of life for Canadians across the country and also generate economic activity and job growth.”
In total, the Government of Canada will invest $135,581 from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island will invest $83,400 under the Island Community Fund. Total project costs for the five projects announced today total $293,076. Community proponents have also made contributions to their respective projects.
“An investment in these important community projects is an investment in the lives of Prince Edward Islanders,” said Minister MacKinley. “The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to funding infrastructure improvements to support our communities all across the province.”
• The Community of Sherbrooke will receive $38,657 from the Government of Canada and $25,000 from the Government of Prince Edward Island to carry out renovations to its community centre. Work will include the installation of a wheelchair lift and ramp, a new sidewalk, new window coverings and upgrades to washrooms.
• The Spring Valley Community Hall will receive $27,119 from the Government of Canada and $21,600 from the Government of Prince Edward Island to carry out upgrades to the interior and exterior of its local community hall. Improvements will include a new foundation, a new roof, installation of an energy-efficient heating system and the addition of a wheelchair accessible washroom.
• The Community of Crapaud received $15,725 from the Government of Canada and $12,400 from the Government of Prince Edward Island for improvements to the South Shore Professional Centre. Work included upgrades to plumbing, walkways and the entrance area, and the replacement of exterior siding.
• The Rustico Recreation Trail received $22,580 from the Government of Canada to install energy-efficient lighting along its local recreational trail to improve public safety and encourage active living and complement tourism offerings.
• Camp Segunakadeck will receive $31,500 from the Government of Canada and $24,400 from the Government of Prince Edward Island for improvements to its camp equipment. The project includes the replacement of recreational structures and expansion of camp lodging facilities.
“Our community group is very pleased to receive support from the federal and provincial governments,” said
Mr. Lex Pate, Project Manager, Sherbrooke Community Centre. “Programs like the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund and the Island Community Fund clearly demonstrate that both levels of government are committed to projects that strengthen the economic and societal well-being of our Island communities.”
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced plans to further modernize Canada’s infrastructure by committing $150 million over two years for the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is delivering the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in Atlantic Canada with an allocation of
$16.6 million, of which $2.5 million is being allotted to projects in Prince Edward Island.
The Prince Edward Island Government is delivering funds to eligible projects through the Island Community Fund, a multi-year funding commitment to address infrastructure needs in communities across the province.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
National Revenue Minister Gail Shea and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley today announced support for five community projects under the Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund and the Island Community Fund. The combined investments from the federal and provincial governments and the five community organizations involved totals just over $293,000 dollars.
The communities and organizations benefitting from today’s announcement include, the Sherbrooke Community Centre, the Spring Valley Community Hall, the Community of Crapaud, the Community of North Rustico and Camp Segunakedeck. The projects are all related to repairs and upgrades to existing community infrastructure.
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For more information, contact:
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-368-0264
Kim Devine
PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
902-368-5286