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The Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, and Senator Mike Duffy, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), along with Stu MacFadyen, Deputy Mayor of Charlottetown, made the announcement earlier today.

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

“Participation in sport is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to a healthy society,” said Minister Bertram. “These recreational facilities in the Charlottetown area will provide social and economic benefits for years to come. The Province of Prince Edward Island is proud to support our community infrastructure, through this $130,000 investment in recreation.”

The projects include new dressing rooms at the Cody Banks Arena, playground equipment upgrades throughout the city, a new dehumidifier at Simmons Arena, and new playground equipment at West Kent Elementary School.

“By making these investments in renovations and improvements to recreational facilities, we are focusing on the long-term health and vitality of our communities,” said Senator Duffy. “The RInC program – a key federal government economic stimulus initiative – is not only generating local economic activity, but will help to sustain and strengthen our sport programs and promote healthy living.”

“The City of Charlottetown is proud of its varied and abundant recreation infrastructure and our ability to offer safe and accessible facilities to our residents and all Islanders,” said Deputy Mayor MacFadyen. “Funding Programs such as the ICF and the RInC, enable the City to improve upon or replace aging infrastructure to ensure our citizens and visitors alike can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle in the capital city.”

The Government of Prince Edward Island has committed a total of $27.5 million in ICF funding for six years. For more information on funding under Island Community Fund, 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, the Government of Canada’s new infrastructure program created to support upgrades and repairs of recreational facilities in Canadian communities. 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

Cody Banks Arena – Upgrades

This project features the addition of two dressing rooms in the arena which will accommodate the increasing number of female athletes and provide additional space during tournaments.

The total project cost is $167,369. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $70,295 and the Government of Canada is investing $55,232. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $41,842.

Charlottetown Playground Equipment – Improvements

Funding will be used for upgrades to existing playgrounds throughout the City of Charlottetown. Innovative playground equipment will be placed in Jack Bomber Callaghan Park, Hunter Green Park, Connaught Square, Northridge Parkway and J. Frank McAulay Park. The playground equipment will provide something new and interesting to encourage children to be active outside.

The total project cost is $50,000. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $21,000 and the Government of Canada is investing $16,500. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $12,500.

West Kent Elementary School Playground – Renovations

This project includes the installation of a variety of new playground equipment. Some of the structures being installed include a wheelchair accessible slide, swing sets, table with seating, snail spring rider and a stationary four wheeler.

The total project cost is $50,000. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $21,000 and the Government of Canada is investing $16,500. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $12,500.

Simmons Arena – Equipment Replacement

Improvements at this facility will focus on the installation of a new dehumidifier in the arena which will allow the facility to control and maintain the moisture in the building and will also act as an air exchanger.

The total project cost is $41,926. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $17,609 and the Government of Canada is investing $13,835. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $10,482.