Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Elmer MacFadyen and Cornwall Mayor Jack Kelly officially opened the new Cornwall multi-sport artificial turf fields Friday evening. Education Minister Mildred Dover served as Master of Ceremonies for the event at the fields, which are located adjacent to Elliot River School. The Eastern School Board was also a contributor, through an agreement on shared use of the land.

The project received funding through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), which is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Prince Edward Island Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for families in Prince Edward Island, and our investments will benefit generations to come,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “This multi-sport complex will encourage physical activity and provide economic benefits for the town and the province by attracting athletes and sports fans.”

Total project cost was $1,719,967, with the three contributing partners, the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island and the Town of Cornwall, each contributing $573,323.

The Town of Cornwall anticipates that the fields will be used by up to 5,000 people annually and will provide increased opportunities to host local and regional tournaments, bringing economic spin offs to the local community and the province. Mayor Kelly extended an invitation to all to come see the fields and watch some friendly matches.

“Having such an elite facility in our town will benefit residents both young and old. It will provide a healthy outdoor environment for the sports minded; it brings new opportunity to host world class competitions in Cornwall. Business will benefit by the Town hosting these events,” said Mayor Kelly. “This facility is an example of moving our town forward. Thanks to the Government of Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Eastern School District and our residents of Cornwall, all working together as partners in financing this facility.

“This project will benefit a great many adults and youths in the town of Cornwall and surrounding areas,” said Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister Responsible for Infrastructure. “Using the latest in turf field technology, these new fields can offer more recreational opportunities, provide community sports groups with better access to state-of-the-art playing fields, and create economic spin-offs for the entire area. The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to support Island communities, and to support initiatives such as this, which promote sport, recreation and community spirit.”

The new sports fields were constructed using synthetic turf, which has been in-filled with rubber recycled from more than 250,000 pounds of shredded tires. Because they are less susceptible to weather, the turf fields can remain open for an extended outdoor playing season and will serve a wide range of outdoor sporting groups. Lighting and fencing provide for maximum usage and safety.

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.