“This significant infrastructure investment, in areas such as water and wastewater systems and community recreation, will make our communities vibrant and productive places to live and raise our families,” said the Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque. “The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with other levels of government to respond to the priorities of our residents and strengthen municipal infrastructure throughout Central PEI.”

Investments in green or environmental municipal infrastructure, a top priority under the program, include $2.1 million to address the current sewage problem in Victoria. This initiative will involve the installation of water meters in each residence and a new central sewage system. Approval is conditional pending completion of an environmental assessment.

“Enhancements to green municipal infrastructure systems are a priority under the program and continues to be a significant area of focus for the Government of Prince Edward Island,” said Beth MacKenzie, MLA for Park Corner – Oyster Bed. “Through this program, communities throughout the central part of the province can benefit from funding that is essential to providing services to area residents.”

The Resort Municipality will see a $372,930 investment to extend the sewer system in response to growth in residential and commercial properties and seasonal fluctuations in population levels. In Hunter River, the Sewage Treatment Plant will undergo a $130,000 upgrade.

Kinkora will see an investment of $230,000 to replace the sewer main along Anderson Road. Kensington will replace the watermain along Sunset Drive with a cost of $200,000 and Borden-Carleton will undergo a $400,000 extension to its sewer main as Phase I of its plan to provide all area residents with municipal sewer service.

Other priority areas under the program include local road improvements, better Internet connections, and projects that promote local culture, recreation and tourism.

A $1.7 million project in the the Town of Cornwall will see the development of a turf field sports facility with a walking trail and parking area. Miltonvale Park has been approved for a $100,737 upgrade to its community park while Crapaud will see $283,250 invested to enhance the community hall including upgrades to parking and accessibility in addition to a new foundation.

The New London Community Complex will undergo an upgrade valued at $256,854 to expand the facility and upgrade the kitchen and meeting areas. The Brackley Beach Women’s Institute will upgrade their community centre using $36,093 to increase energy efficiency, improve the water/wastewater system and upgrade the kitchen facilities. Clyde River will use $48,900 to construct outdoor recreational spaces for residents.

A total of 34 projects with a value of $14.6 million have been announced to benefit communities across the province. Through the MRIF, more than $54 million will be invested between 2005 and 2012 in infrastructure projects by the Government of Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island and local governments and organizations. Over the next seven years, this initiative will support renewal, expansion and material enhancement of infrastructure in rural and urban parts of the province.

The Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by ACOA and the PEI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. The Federation of PEI Municipalities is represented on the program’s management committee.