July 27, 2015 – Summerside, PEI – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Rotary Club of Summerside is renovating an existing facility to establish the Rotary Regional Community Learning Centre, providing a new home for the
Rotary Regional Library with space for multi-purpose meeting rooms, business work stations and community space to develop entrepreneurial skills, support business development, and facilitate lifelong learning.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced federal funding for the Rotary Club of Summerside to undertake the project.
The Regional Community Learning Centre will be built in part of the former Government of Canada Post Office building on Central Street in Summerside. The building is in the process of being acquired by the Rotary Club of Summerside and a portion of the building will be occupied by the Learning Centre. The building is currently owned by Public Works and Government Services Canada.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada is supporting this project with a contribution of $791,598 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
- The Rotary Club of Summerside is contributing $450,000 into this project.
- The renovations will include upgrades to the interior and exterior of the facility, installation of a new heating cooling and system including geothermal heating and solar panels, a new security system, and improvements to accessibility.
- The Regional Community Learning Centre’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social and cultural well-being of the residents of East Prince, and the economic development of the region by creating a dynamic collaborative learning and entrepreneurial space for the residents of East Prince.
- The day-to-day operation of the library, including programming, is managed by the Friends of the Rotary Library. Last year the organization offered 229 programs to 2,545 participants of all ages.
- The Rotary Club of Summerside has a strong partnership with 17 community not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions that will be expanding their programming and services in literacy and numeracy, entrepreneurship and business development which will have a direct impact on the business community and will support the continuing education of the existing workforce, as well as training for new entrants.
Quotes:
“Our Government is committed to creating sustainable and vibrant communities. We are pleased to support the new Regional Community Learning Centre because it will help to facilitate economic growth and long-term prosperity for Summerside, and promote lifelong learning for local residents.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“This project is the result of a community needs assessment undertaken by Rotary in 2013. It became apparent that numerous community service providers – many of them volunteers – have struggled with sustainable service provision due to a shortage of suitable affordable space within which to conduct their activities. “Learning” – education and lifelong learning – is fundamental to sustainable community development, and we are confident that residents and employers within our catchment area will be highly supportive. This space will provide an excellent venue for an expanded Regional Library, programming, and supports for literacy, numeracy, e-learning, entrepreneurial education and a host of other needs not currently being met in a satisfactory way.”
- Ms. Georgia Ellis, President, Rotary Club of Summerside
Associated Links:
• Rotary Club of Summerside
• City of Summerside
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Katie MacNevin
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-940-0801
