Details were announced today in Tignish by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs for Prince Edward Island and Lambert Gallant, President of the Sport and Recreation Association of Tignish.

“Canada’s new Government understands that young people grow up in rinks like these,” said Minister MacKay. “Canada’s new Government is committed to ensuring our communities have the infrastructure they need to remain strong and vibrant. After all, strong regions make for a strong and united Canada.”

“Community rinks and recreational facilities, such as the Centennial Arena are the very heart of Island communities,” said Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Elmer MacFadyen. “They are gathering places, and are used for both social and physical development. Our government remains committed to supporting communities through supporting the infrastructure that makes our communities strong.”

The project involves building a new facility to house a rink with a NHL-size ice surface, complete with modern lighting and ice-making equipment. The new arena is expected to open in the fall of 2006.

“The arena is an important gathering place for our community,” said Mr. Gallant. “We are pleased to have the support of all levels of government as we work toward a new venue that will benefit residents and visitors alike.”

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by ACOA and by the PEI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs through the Canada-PEI Infrastructure Secretariat.

BACKGROUND:

Centennial Arena:

The Centennial Arena in Tignish is 40 years old and engineers have stated that the steel structure would have to be replaced within two years. The arena serves a population of 5,000.

The facility is owned and operated by the Tignish Sports and Recreation Association. The Tignish Minor Hockey Association, Recreational Hockey Association, Figure Skating Club and Recreational Skating Club regularly use the rink surface. These groups have been involved in the planning process for the new facility.

The reconstruction design will allow for maximum use, will be wheelchair accessible, will allow for recreational walking in the fall, winter and spring and will be available for community events and a greater range of recreational sports.

Canada- Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund:

The CPEI-MRIF represents equal contributions by the Government of Canada, the Government of PEI and local governments and organizations. Though the CPEI-MRIF, more than $54 million will be invested in Island projects between 2005-2012. This initiative supports renewal, expansion and material enhancements of infrastructure in rural and urban areas of the province.

Canada-PEI Infrastructure Secretariat:

The newly formed Infrastructure Secretariat, a joint initiative of the federal and provincial governments, manages the MRIF and provides single-window service to project applicants and recipients. For more information: www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure or 1-888-240-4411.