Central P.E.I will benefit from investments to boost quality of life in rural communities
News release
New programming and revitalization creating the conditions for thriving communities
July 10, 2023 · Kinkora, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Communities flourish in environments that promote social interaction, physical activity and entrepreneurial momentum. Having access to interactive spaces and business supports improves the wellbeing of our communities and stimulates local economies. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in the development of cultural and economic resources in central Prince Edward Island.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced total investments of $1,732,286 for eight projects that will meet the needs of rural communities and businesses. The Province of Prince Edward Island is providing $1,135,832 in support for seven projects.
Through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), a $500,000 investment is supporting the Rural Municipality of Kinkora to expand Kinkora Place, a multi-purpose facility that hosts a diverse range of services, club meetings, wellness activities, festivals and events throughout the year that display the pride and spirit of the greater community.
A $214,660 investment through ICF is for the Friends of the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico to perform restoration and safety upgrades to the historic Farmers’ Bank of Rustico and Doucet House Museums, and to establish an Acadian welcome centre in the former St. Augustine's Credit Union building. Together, these improvements will strengthen community connections to the region’s Acadian heritage and complement existing tourism offerings in the north shore communities.
A $250,000 investment through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund has helped the Rural Municipality of Bedeque and Area to enhance the community ballpark and surrounding infrastructure, a fun and safe outdoor space for youth to play baseball, develop friendships and encourage overall wellbeing and fitness.
For the full list of projects benefitting rural communities and businesses in Prince Edward Island in today’s announcement, please see backgrounder.
Back in March, the Public Policy Forum published a report that confirms quality of life is on the rise in Atlantic Canada, and that there is a strong sense of belonging among residents, setting the region apart from the rest of the country.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring sustainable regional economic development and a high standard of living for all Atlantic Canadians.
Quotes
“Strong, vibrant communities are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economy. Atlantic Canada is at a turning point, brimming with new energy and growth. As we continue to see our region blossom, we are committed to fostering this momentum through strategic investments in social infrastructure and rural business supports.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“We are working alongside communities and businesses to identify opportunities to improve the quality of life for residents in rural Prince Edward Island. This is our opportunity to build a future of well-being for all. Together, we will continue on our path of sustainable community growth, contributing to a strong, diverse economy.”
- Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque
“Rural communities are a huge part of our Island and they are constantly growing. It’s important for us to invest in those communities to enhance the quality of life for rural Islanders.”
- The Honourable Cory Deagle, Minister for Fisheries, Tourism, Sports and Culture for the Province of Prince Edward Island
“We are growing our community today for tomorrow's youth. We are excited to be able to expand our community hall for the use and enjoyment of all area residents from children to seniors, which became possible through our partnership with ACOA.”
- Robert Duffy, Mayor of the Rural Municipality of Kinkora
Quick facts
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The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) supports projects that build the economies of communities in Atlantic Canada.
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The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) aims to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that the intake period for CCRF in Atlantic Canada is now closed.
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The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program creates the right conditions to start and grow businesses in Atlantic Canada.
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The Prince Edward Island Potato Stabilization and Innovation Initiative (PSII) is part of the Government of Canada’s response to the ongoing market disruption from the detection of potato wart in fall 2021. It supports projects in P.E.I.’s potato sector and its supply chain to help secure the sector now and set it up for future growth.
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The Province of Prince Edward Island Community Revitalization Program supports the revitalization of rural communities through strategic investments in infrastructure that is important for rural culture, society, and economic development.
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Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Sharon McGuigan
Manager of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Sharon.McGuigan@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
April Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sports and Culture
Province of Prince Edward Island
adlgallant@gov.pe.ca
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