Web Archive
February 20, 2013
For immediate release
Federal and provincial governments invest in infrastructure improvements for Central PEI
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
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, Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, along with community representatives today announced funding for upgrades to four community facilities in central Prince Edward Island.
“Our Government, through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, is supporting communities all across Canada in gaining long-term prosperity,” said Minister Shea. “The four infrastructure projects announced today will generate economic activity and jobs while also having positive social and cultural benefits for Islanders and visitors alike.”
In total, the Government of Canada will invest $184,598 from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island will invest $129,200 under the Island Community Fund. Total project costs for the four projects announced today total $380,720. Community proponents have each made contributions to their respective projects.
“The provincial government is pleased to support improvements to these community facilities so they meet the needs of residents for years to come,” said Minister MacKinley. “We are committed to working with Islanders to improve the quality of life and create a climate for economic development across the province.”
• The Benevolent Irish Society will receive $71,594 from the Government of Canada and $39,200 from the Government of Prince Edward Island to carry out upgrades to the interior and exterior of their facility. Improvements will include new siding and the replacement of 11 windows, new flooring, new light fixtures, air conditioning and an addition to the main floor stage, additional storage space, improvements to the library/genealogy centre and paving.
• The Winsloe Lions Club will receive $43,861 from the Government of Canada and $40,000 from the Government of Prince Edward Island to add a new front entrance to its facility, replace the basement ceiling, remove and relocate decking, add storage and meeting rooms and expand the kitchen.
• The Town of Cornwall has received $16,643 from the Government of Canada and $12,800 from the Government of Prince Edward Island for new air conditioner units for the main floor rooms in the Cornwall Civic Centre.
• The Emerald Recreation Club will receive $52,500 from the Government of Canada and $37,200 from the Government of Prince Edward Island to carry out upgrades to the Community Centre and Train Station in Emerald. Improvement work to the Community Centre will include insulation of floor and exterior walls, new windows and doors, upgrades to electrical, painting, an air exchange, a portable stage, and tables and chairs. Work at the Emerald Train Station will include a new roof and flue, upgrades to wiring, exterior painting and new signage.
“The Benevolent Irish Society is one of the oldest organizations in Prince Edward Island. The Executive, our members and our guests, want to see our facility remain vibrant for many, many years to come,” said Mr. George O’Connor, President, Benevolent Irish Society. “We are very pleased to have the financial support from the federal and provincial governments to move forward with our extensive renovation plans for the Honourable Edward Whalen Irish Cultural Centre.”
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.
