24 July 2009
Alberton, Prince Edward Island
ALBERTON (PE) – JULY 24, 2009 – Improvements will be made to the recreational infrastructure within four communities on Prince Edward Island thanks to an investment of more than $200,000 under the Prince Edward Island Community Infrastructure Fund (ICF) and the Government of Canada’s Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program.
The Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, 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 Alberton.
The provincial portion of the financing comes from the Island Communities Fund, a new, provincially funded infrastructure program.
"Recreational facilities are the social and athletic hub for many of our rural communities. Investing in these facilities ensures that Islanders have a place to come together and enjoy local playing fields, arenas and bowling alleys for decades to come," said Premier Ghiz. "Not only are we helping to stimulate the economy by creating local jobs, we are also building a happier, healthier and stronger One Island Community.”
The projects include new playground equipment in New Haven/Riverdale, improvements to the Alberton Community Centre, community recreation upgrades in Borden-Carleton, and the installation of energy efficient equipment at the South Shore Actiplex in Crapaud.
“By investing in renovations and improvements to recreational facilities across the Island we are helping to generate local economic activity while contributing to the longer term health and vitality of our communities,” said Minister Shea. “These four projects are key to ensuring that families, friends and neighbours have a place to come together to not only get fit and stay healthy, but to also celebrate the wonderful communities they live in.”
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. RInC is the new Government of Canada infrastructure program to support 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.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Renovations and improvements to local recreational facilities in communities across western and central Prince Edward Island will now be made easier through a funding partnership which pairs the provincial government’s new Island Community Fund and new federal Recreational Infrastructure Canada program.
Hon. Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and the Hon. Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced four projects funded under the combined ICF and RInC funding partnership.
The investment of more than $200,000 will improve local recreational facilities, help stimulate local economic activity, and contribute to the health and quality of the lives of Islanders.
The projects include new playground equipment in New Haven/Riverdale, improvements to the Alberton Community Centre, community recreation upgrades in Borden-Carleton, and energy efficient equipment installed at the South Shore Actiplex in Crapaud.
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INFORMATION:
Autumn Tremere
PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour
(902) 620-3631
Heath MacVittie
ACOA PEI & Tourism
(902) 626-2878
BACKGROUNDER
Alberton Community Centre – Renovations
The project includes the completion of upgrades to the bowling lanes at the Alberton Community Centre including wheelchair accessibility improvements, the replacement of six bowling lanes and other upgrades to the bowling area.
The total project cost is $188,900. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $79,338 and the Government of Canada is investing $62,337. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $47,225.
Borden-Carleton Recreation – Upgrades
The completion of community recreation upgrades includes the replacement of the compressor, upgrades in the arena and the installation of new playground equipment.
The total project cost is $50,000. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $21,000 and the Government of Canada is investing $16,500. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $12,500.
New Haven-Riverdale Park – Upgrades
This project consists of removing existing playground equipment at the community park and replacing it with a newer, fully accessible CSA approved structure. The new equipment proposed includes a tire swing, spring riders and the construction of a gazebo.
The total project cost is $27,625. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $11,603 and the Government of Canada is investing $9,116. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $6,906.
South Shore Actiplex – Energy Efficiency Upgrades
The South Shore Community Organization project would like to see upgrades to the actiplex. The upgrades include the installation of insulation above the dressing rooms to reduce heating costs, the installation of a new hot water tank in the fitness centre to reduce oil costs and the replacement of existing shower heads with dual shower heads in the fitness centre and rink.
The total project cost is $5,120. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $2,100 and the Government of Canada is investing $1,770. The applicant will fund the remaining amount of $1,250.
