A total of 20 projects in the eastern Prince Edward Island towns and communities of Montague, St. Peters, Souris, Georgetown, Fortune, Gasperaux, Belfast, Mount Stewart, Stratford, Fort Augustus, Morell, Lower Montague and Murray River have been announced under the first round of the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program.
"Once completed, these projects will have lasting benefits to the communities in eastern Prince Edward Island. Enhancing community infrastructure remains a priority of the Government of Canada ," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The majority of the projects address the first priority of the Program which is green municipal infrastructure. The Montague and St. Peters waste treatment plants will be expanded and the Souris wastewater pumping station will be upgraded. Upgrades to the sewer lines in Morell as well as storm sewers in Georgetown and Mount Stewart will be undertaken.
Stratford will extend its water main, and Souris water projects include the installation of a chlorination system and an upgrade to the Green Street water distribution system. Montague will also install a chlorination system.
"The Canada-PEI Infrastructure Program will help to strengthen and enhance infrastructure in the province with a major focus on protecting basic health and safety,"
said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. "These projects will benefit Island communities well into the future and contribute to economic development for the whole province."
The remainder of the projects reflect the other priorities under the Infrastructure Program which include cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting local transportation, and affordable housing.
Renovations and improvements will be made to the Eastern Kings Sportsplex, Fortune Recreation Centre, Gasperaux Community Centre, Fort Augustus Recreation Centre and the Georgetown Recreation Park. Sidewalks will be extended in Mount Stewart.
Expansions to the Montague Curling Club, Belfast Recreation Centre, Lower Montague Soccer Complex and the Murray River Library will also be undertaken.
A total of 56 projects representing urban and rural communities across the province have been announced. During the five-year infrastructure program, the Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island will each contribute $12.8 million. The total minimum funding from local governments must equal this amount. Under the first round, the federal and provincial governments have committed two-thirds of available funds. Other projects will be considered in the future.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program is administered by ACOA and the PEI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. The Federation of PEI Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.
Environmental assessments have been completed on 53 of the 56 projects. Final approval on the three remaining projects will not be granted until the environmental assessments are complete.