The Province of Prince Edward Island is realizing a commitment to the residents of Hermanville/Clearspring with the establishment of an enhancement fund to support future development of the area, says Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Ron MacKinley.

“This enhancement fund is a first of its kind in our province and will benefit the Hermanville/Clearspring area through investments that support local businesses and community infrastructure projects in the area,” said Minister MacKinley. “The Northside Windmill Enhancement Fund confirms our government’s priority to ensure the future growth and sustainability of our Island communities.”

The PEI Energy Corporation will invest $125,000 in the Northside Windmill Enhancement Fund for the next five years. With this fund, the Northside Windmill Enhancement Program has been developed. The program has two components – a community development component and a business growth component.

Under the community development component, incorporated not-for-profit organizations can apply for funding for capital projects or initiatives which will improve their capacity as vibrant and healthy communities. The business growth component encourages eligible businesses to undertake new or expanded activities to grow their business and enhance economic development in the area.

The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development will administer the program. Recommendations for funding will come from the Northside Windmill Enhancement Committee.

“The Hermanville/Clearspring wind project was intended to be an economic driver for the community,” said Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs Minister Wes Sheridan. “It employed local firms through $20 million in contracts when it was being constructed, and now this enhancement fund will ensure that the development continues to support the Hermanville/Clearspring area’s efforts to grow and thrive.”

“The Northside Windmill Enhancement Committee is looking forward to working with the Province of Prince Edward Island to get this fund distributed to the businesses and community groups in the area that will be submitting applications,” said Sharon MacAulay, chair of the Northside Windmill Enhancement Committee. “No project will be too small or too large to be considered. We have a great group of volunteers on this Committee and hope these funds will be flowing by the end of the summer.”

Program guidelines and application forms are available by contacting Chris Blaisdell, Community Development Officer, Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development at (902)687-7083 or cwblaisdell@gov.pe.ca.