Island communities will benefit from infrastructure funding to make necessary upgrades to their community facilities.

Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA), and PEI Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley today announced a combined investment of $187,437 for five communities across Prince Edward Island to make needed infrastructure upgrades to community facilities.

Eastern Kings Sportsplex Inc., Wheatley River Women’s Institute, Harbour Authority of Covehead, Long Creek Women’s Institute, and O’Leary Community Sports Centre are completing necessary upgrades to their community facilities to better serve the needs of residents and visitors.

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada invested a total of $97,752 in these projects through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Island Community Fund, invested $89,685 towards the upgrades.

• The Eastern Kings Sportsplex Inc. has completed upgrades to the Eastern Kings Sportsplex, including replacing the arena boards and rubber flooring.

• The Wheatley River Women’s Institute completed necessary repairs to the Wheatley River Community Hall. This included replacing the flooring in the main hall and upgrades to the insulation and heating systems.

• The Harbour Authority of Covehead installed new electrical, fresh water and security systems. Additional finger docks were also installed and a storage facility was added.

• The Long Creek Women’s Institute has completed upgrades to the Long Creek Community Centre. These upgrades included replacing siding, gutters and downspouts, installing a new window and storm door and renovations were completed to make the washrooms wheelchair accessible.

• The O’Leary Community Sports Centre improved the facility’s energy efficiency by installing a new evaporative condenser.

• In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada announced plans to further modernize Canada’s infrastructure by committing $150 million over two years for the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund CIIF). ACOA has been delivering the CIIF in Atlantic Canada with an allocation of $16.6 million, of which $2.5 million was allotted to projects in Prince Edward Island.

• The Prince Edward Island Government is delivering funds to eligible infrastructure projects through the Island Community Fund, a multi-year funding commitment to address infrastructure needs in communities across the province.

Quotes:

“Vibrant and sustainable communities require solid infrastructure for future prosperity, which is why our Government is pleased to support infrastructure upgrades in these communities. Through our CIIF program, we are pleased to have given over $2.5 million to more than 75 projects across Prince Edward Island to help sustain these communities for years to come.”

- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

"These investments through the Island Community Fund help support recreational opportunities, strengthen community spirit, and enhance economic opportunities in our rural communities. The province will continue to support our rural communities and help enhance the quality of life for all Islanders."

- The Honourable Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development

“We are very grateful for the investments made by both levels of government. Our Sportsplex is the centre of our community and by completing these necessary upgrades we have been able to keep our doors open and serve our community for the upcoming generations.”

- Ms. Cherie Chapman, President, Eastern Kings Sportsplex

Associated Links:

• Town of Souris

• O’Leary Community Sports Centre