Crapaud and Borden-Carleton projects benefit from Island Community Fund
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI — A new provincial government investment of $231,000 is being used to expand the Crapaud Exhibition facilities, renovate the Crapaud Curling Club and purchase new gear for the Borden-Carleton Fire Department, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
 “Investing in a traditional exhibition, a local community centre and gear to keep firefighters safe not only helps those using the facilities and equipment but benefits the local communities that rely on these buildings and services,” said Minister LeClair.

 The total cost of the three projects is $275,000.  The Island Community Fund contributed approximately $140,000.  Skills PEI contributed an additional $83,500.  A further $7,500 came from the Community Recreation Support Program with the sponsors providing $43,700 overall.  “Our support through Skills PEI programs has allowed Islanders to gain hands-on work experience while supporting these communities,” said Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.

 During a storm in the winter of 2010 one of the barns at the Crapaud Exhibition was destroyed. The total cost to replace the 40′ x 100′ post style structure was $67,700.  The Island Community Fund contributed $50,800 to the project.

 The Crapaud Curling Club has been operating since 1964.  It is in need of extensive upgrades to the interior as well as its ice plant.  The total cost of the project is $183,500. The Island Community Fund will contribute $72,300.  Skills PEI will contribute $83,500.  The Community Recreation Support Program will contribute $7,500.

 Bunker gear is essential protective wear for firefighters.  Twenty new sets of bunker gear have been purchased by the Borden-Carleton Fire Department to replace outdated gear.  The total cost of this project is $23,070.  The Island Community Fund contributed $16,478.

 “The Crapaud Exhibition is essential to the agriculture community of the area and both Crapaud facilities provide a local economic impact by bringing events to the community and surrounding area,” said Mr. LeClair. “These projects are important to people in the Crapaud and Borden-Carleton region, and will benefit them for years to come.”

 The Island Community Fund is a six-year $27.5 million program established by the provincial government to address infrastructure needs with a focus on rural communities.

 For more information visit www.gov.pe.ca/ruraldevelopment.