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July 23, 2009
For immediate release

Prince Edward Island Communities to Benefit from New Recreational Infrastructure Investments

Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour

A number of significant improvements will be made to the recreational infrastructure projects in four communities on Prince Edward Island thanks to an investment of nearly $220,000 from the provincial Island Community Fund (ICF) and nearly $175,000 under the Government of Canada’s Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program.

The Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and Senator Michael Duffy, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), made the announcement today in Fort Augustus.

The provincial portion of the financing comes from the Island Communities Fund, a new, provincially funded infrastructure program.

“By building stronger communities, creating safer and more prosperous facilities, and by modernizing and developing our infrastructure, we are building a better One Island Community for future generations,” said Premier Ghiz. “The Province of Prince Edward Island is proud to support our rural community infrastructure, through this $220,000 investment in recreation.”

“As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, RInC will help generate local economic activity while supporting important and needed improvements to the recreational infrastructure in our communities,” said Senator Duffy. “The program ensures that local families can continue to count on and use these four recreational facilities now and for decades to come.”

The projects include renovations to the Belfast Community Pool Complex, recreation club upgrades and a ball field extension in Fort Augustus, upgrades to a pool and gym in Montague, and ball field upgrades in Tracadie.

The Government of Prince Edward Island has committed a total of $27.5 million in Island Community Fund funding for six years. For more information on funding under ICF, visit the Infrastructure Secretariat website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure. The Island Community Fund is just one component of the over $80 million the province is investing in infrastructure for our one Island community.

A total of $500 million over two years has been set aside through RInC, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The new federal program is designed to support upgrades and repairs of recreational facilities across Canada – generating local economic activity and contributing to the health and quality life of Canadians. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) delivers RInC in Atlantic Canada. For details on project eligibility and how to submit an application, please refer to the program backgrounder on ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

BACKGROUNDER

Belfast Community Pool Complex – Improvements

This project will result in several renovations to the Belfast Community Pool Complex which houses swimming pools and deck areas, a small kitchen facility and a mini-putt golf course. A major renovation includes upgrades to one of the three pools at the facility.

The total project cost is $53,970. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $22,667 and the Government of Canada is investing $17,810. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $13,493.

Fort Augustus Recreation – Extension

The community recreation club wants to add an extension to the facility to house a new more energy efficient heating system, as well as allow for an expanded kitchen facility. In addition, the ball field requires upgrades to address safety concerns including fence repairs and the installation of new dugouts.

The total project cost is $255,870. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $105,000 and the Government of Canada is investing $82,500. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $62,500.

Town and Country Aquatics Plus (TCAP) Building Update (Montague) – Upgrades

Renovations to the swimming pool and fitness complex in Montague include the installation of a new pool pump and computerized chemical controllers, complete locker room updates and new flooring.

The total project cost is $212,600. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $89,292 and the Government of Canada is investing $70,158. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $53,150.

Tracadie Ball Field – Improvements

This project includes the completion of an upgrade to the existing ball field which includes the installation of a new gravel surface with proper grading to allow drainage of surface water from the playing field.

The total project cost is $3,200. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $1,344 and the Government of Canada is investing $1,056. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $800.

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Media Contact: Autumn Tremere
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