CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI (IIS) — Substantial upgrades will be made to the recreational infrastructure on four projects in three communities on Prince Edward Island thanks to an investment of more than $400,000 under the Prince Edward Island Community Infrastructure Fund and the Government of Canada’s Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key federal economic stimulus initiative under its Economic Action Plan.
The Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, and the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), made the announcement today in Abrams Village.
The provincial portion of the financing comes from the Island Communities Fund (ICF), a new, provincially funded infrastructure program.
“The Island Community Fund was established by the province to assist Island communities in undertaking cultural, recreational, social and community safety infrastructure initiatives,” said Minister Bertram. “These four recreation projects will help to sustain and strengthen our sport programs, promote healthy living, and provide local economic benefit.”
The four projects which have been granted funding include a dressing room expansion at the Evangeline Arena, improvements to a curling club and upgrades to an arena in Alberton, and building repairs to the O’Leary Community Sports Centre.
“The investments in these recreational facilities will help to stimulate the economy, improve local services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of people in West Prince,” said Minister Shea. “These four complexes are the social and athletic heartbeat of their respective communities. They bring together families, friends and neighbours to learn new skills, exchange ideas, get fit and healthy, and have fun.”
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 ICF, visit the Infrastructure Secretariat website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure and click on ‘Programs.’
A total of $500 million over two years has been set aside through RInC, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Government of Canada’s new infrastructure program supports 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
La Commission de récréation Évangeline – Expansion and Upgrades:
This project will double the amount of dressing rooms at the Evangeline Arena from four to eight, which will allow them to host additional tournaments and a greater number of teams. It will also increase the accessibility to the current dressing rooms.
The total project cost is $192,040. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $80,657 and the Government of Canada is investing $63,373. La Commission de récréation Évangeline will fund the remaining amount of $48,010.
Western Community Curling Club – Upgrades:
The Western Curling Club in Alberton will undergo major improvements to the building’s entrance including upgrades to accessibility. Also, two windows will be installed on the second floor to improve lighting. There will be new lights over the ice surface, a new furnace and safety pipes from the power plant installed as well.
The total project cost is $14,865. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $6,243 and the Government of Canada is investing $4,905. The Western Community Curling Club will fund the remaining amount of $3,717.
Jacques Cartier Memorial Arena – Upgrades:
Renovations to the Alberton arena will include a large section of flooring at the front of the building being replaced including the support beams underneath as well as repairs in the electrical room and to several of the dressing rooms. The applicant will also purchase and install a new evaporative condenser to replace the older existing unit. A compressor, complete with a new structural steel base, belt guard and oil separator, will be replaced as well.
The total project cost is $120,000. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $50,400 and the Government of Canada is investing $39,600. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $30,000.
O’Leary Community Sports Centre – Renovations:
There will be a number of upgrades done to the facility, including the installation of a new furnace and energy efficient hot water system, the overhauling of the indoor and outdoor lighting system, and the replacement of four windows on the upper level. Other renovations will feature proper insulation of the upstairs ceiling, a new countertop in the canteen and the replacement of five vents in the roof with steel caps.
The total project cost is $92,500. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $38,850 and the Government of Canada is investing $30,525. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $23,125.