Summerside, Prince Edward Island - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and His Worship Basil Stewart, Mayor of Summerside today announced investments totaling $275,000 to build upon the Summerside Raceway.
“Our Government, through its Economic Action Plan, recognizes the importance of maintaining community infrastructure and is pleased to invest in the Summerside Raceway,” said Minister Ashfield. “This project, made possible through the Community Adjustment Fund, not only generates additional local economic activity but it also supports the long-term contribution this facility makes to the community.”
The upgrades will include a new paddock barn with 27 stalls, a testing facility, washrooms and office space. The City of Summerside has developed long-term plans to grow the horse industry on Prince Edward Island.
“It was just earlier this year when I had the honour of announcing funding to revitalize the historic Summerside Raceway,” said Minister Shea. “On behalf of our Government of Canada, I am pleased to be here today to see the results of that investment.”
The historic Summerside Raceway has been a gathering point for Islanders for more than 120 years. Earlier this year, additional improvements were made to the Summerside Raceway with the construction of a new 80-stall stable barn and multi-use building.
“Harness racing is an important industry on Prince Edward Island, “said Mayor Basil Stewart. “On behalf of City Council, I would like to thank the federal government for their commitment to this infrastructure in Summerside. ”
The Government of Canada is investing $210,000 in the Raceway project through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) and the City of Summerside is contributing $65,000.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan will provide a total of $1 billion over two years through CAF to support initiatives such as reforestation activities, investments in machinery or equipment, demonstration of new mining technologies, initiatives to improve market access for products and other local economic diversification activities.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield, Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, and Mayor Basil Stewart, today announced funding for $275,000 in valuable enhancements to the Summerside Raceway.
The upgrades include a new paddock barn with 27 stalls, a testing facility, washrooms and office space. The City of Summerside has developed long-term plans to grow the horse industry on PEI. The historic Summerside Raceway has been a gathering point for Islanders for over 120 years.
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Rebecca Bruce
ACOA PEI and Tourism
902-368-0264
Brian Hawrylak
City of Summerside
902-432-1288
