Through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), the Government of Canada has committed up to $3 million towards the construction of the second phase of the Wellness Centre. The federal investment complements the previous investment of the Province of PEI of $3.1 million. This funding will help build an athletic facility for major amateur events and is provided in support of PEI hosting the 2009 Canada Summer Games.

“This project is an excellent example of our commitment to sustainable development in the cities and communities of Atlantic Canada,” said Minister McGuire. “These infrastructure programs ensure communities, big and small, can afford the infrastructure required to meet the growing needs of residents, effectively preparing communities for future development and ongoing prosperity. Improving the quality of life for Canadians is a priority of the Government of Canada.”

“The completion of the Summerside Wellness Centre will provide a significant boost to the city’s readiness to host activities during week one of the 2009 Canada Summer Games, while providing area residents with increased opportunities to stay active and enjoy community recreation and sporting activities,” said Premier Pat Binns. “Recreational centres are an important aspect of the future growth and prosperity of Island communities and the provincial government is pleased to provide funding support to such endeavours.”

The total cost of the Wellness Centre is estimated at $28.5 million ($13.5 million for the first phase and $15 million for the second phase). The City of Summerside is committing $19 million to the project, part of which will come from public fundraising activities. Previously, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has also provided $1.5 million in funding for the Centre.

”On behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Summerside, I say thank you to the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the federal government, Premier Pat Binns and the provincial government for their large contributions to this very important and necessary project for our community,” said Mayor Stewart. “The Wellness Centre will enhance the health, wellness and fitness of our residents and also contribute substantially to the economic well being of our community. I would also like to thank our fundraising committee and the contributors for their significant financial investments towards the Wellness Centre.”

The Government of Canada funding for the second phase is conditional to PEI proceeding with the hosting of the 2009 Canada Summer Games, completion of a federal environmental assessment and the signing of a contribution agreement with the municipality.

In April 2005, the governments of Canada and PEI signed the Infrastructure Governance Framework to manage more than $120 million in infrastructure funds to be invested in PEI communities over the next five years. This Governance Framework provides a locally based and responsive management structure for the Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) as well as the transfer of federal gas tax revenues under the New Deal for Cities and Communities.

For more information about federal and provincial infrastructure initiatives that benefit the communities of Prince Edward Island, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.

BACKGROUNDER

New Facility to Support Summerside’s Development:

The new Wellness Centre facility, a non-traditional business and recreational facility incorporating recreation, sports, culture and social opportunities, will be instrumental in supporting the key pillars of Summerside's community development – tourism, business investment and economic development.

Wellness Centre Development Plans:

The Summerside Wellness Centre will be a multi-purpose facility featuring a main venue with seating capacity of 3,500, fixed seating facility with an additional 400 standing, capable of staging concerts, entertainment, trade shows, conventions, sporting and special events.

Where possible, the facility is incorporating the latest design features and "green" approaches to construction.

When complete, the Centre will consist of a main area for large venues, two ice surfaces, a bowling alley, a walking track and retail space.

A walking track will circle the concourse level, which will be connected across the lobby via a pedway to the fitness center. The second ice pad will have fixed bleacher seating along one side to handle 250 to 300 people, but during non-ice events floor seating will be able to accommodate more.

Concessions will be located on the lower level as well as three other areas on the concourse. Kitchen facilities under the bowl will be able to accommodate conventions. Storage has been allocated for the space under the bowl on the North East and South sides while the change rooms are located under the West side.

The facility will share a common lobby with the already constructed phase 1 component of the Summerside Wellness Centre which consists of pool (leisure and 6 lane 25m) and amenities which include a water slide, spa bench, water umbrella, deck water fountain, hot tub and three saunas; a fitness facility, two squash courts; meetings rooms and convention space.

The total cost of the Wellness Centre is estimated at $28.5 million ($13.5 million for the first phase and $15 million for the second phase). Funding comes from the Government of Canada through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) (up to $3 million for the second phase), the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ($1.5 million towards the convention centre) and the Province ($3.1 million). The City is contributing $19 million to the total cost, part of which will come from public fundraising activities.

The Government of Canada funding for the second phase is conditional to PEI proceeding with the hosting of the 2009 Canada Summer Games, completion of a federal environmental assessment and the signing of a contribution agreement with the municipality.