The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Ron MacKinley, Prince Edward Island Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, along with community representatives, today announced support for four infrastructure projects in Alberton, Tignish, and Ellerslie.

Photo (L-R): Michael Gaudet, Sports Recreation Association of Tignish; Audrey Callaghan, Western Community Curling Club; Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea; Myrna Millar, Royal Canadian Legion, Ellerslie; Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley; and Sharon Gallant, chair of Alberton Community Development Corporation. Photo credit: Brian Simpson, Provincial Photographer

“Community-based facilities are the heart of many of our rural Island communities,” said Minister Shea. “They make significant contributions to the quality of life for many Atlantic Canadians and these investments will improve the quality of facilities enjoyed by residents while supporting job creation in communities and in our region.”

In total, the Government of Canada, through ACOA, will invest $164,696 through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island will invest $106,054 under the Island Community Fund. Community proponents have each made contributions to their respective projects.

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to support community organizations working to improve their recreational facilities,” said Minister MacKinley. “Through the Island Community Fund we are working directly with rural communities to upgrade local infrastructure and maintain a high quality of life for residents.”

One of the projects was for the Western Community Curling Club in Alberton, who will receive $11,340 from the Government of Canada and $8,910 from the Government of Prince Edward Island to carry out improvements to the curling club facility to make it more accessible and energy efficient.

“Our curling club is an important piece of what makes this community great,” said Ms. Audrey Callaghan, Western Community Curling Club. “With the funding provided by both levels of government, we will be able to make the necessary improvements so people can enjoy the curling club well into the future.”

Other funding:

The Sports Recreation Association of Tignish will receive $34,605 from the Government of Canada and $27,144 from the Government of Prince Edward Island for improvements to the local arena and ball field. The arena will receive interior upgrades and the ball field will receive upgrades to the field and surrounding amenities like the dugouts and bleachers.

• The Royal Canadian Legion in Ellerslie will receive $31,151 from the Government of Canada for upgrades to the exterior landscaping to improve access for patrons.

• The Alberton Community Development Corporation will receive $87,600 from the Government of Canada and $70,000 from the Government of Prince Edward Island for upgrades to the interior and exterior of Camp Kildare. These enhancements will result in a unique camp with sleeping accommodations and wheelchair accessibility. The facility will be available for youth, seniors and business organizations.