The launch of the 49th Annual Crapaud Exhibition tonight provided a festive backdrop for the grand opening of the new South Shore Actiplex, a multipurpose recreational complex funded under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program.
Mr. Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque; the Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs; Mr. Glenn Stewart, Chairperson of the Crapaud Community Council; and Mr. Wayne Thompson, chairperson of the South Shore Community Organization shared the stage at centre ice to officially open the facility. The federal and provincial governments each contributed $500,000 to the construction of the new facility.
"This summer's night is well known in local circles for its celebrations – there couldn't be a more fitting occasion than the Crapaud Ex to host the grand opening of this new facility," said Mr. Easter, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The South Shore Actiplex, like the South Shore Arena before it, will become a focal point for social and recreational activities in this community for years to come. The Government of Canada, through the Infrastructure Program, is pleased to partner with Islanders, as we work to improve the places in which we live, work and raise our families."
"Recreational activity plays a key role in building strong and healthy communities across the province. I am sure that this new actiplex will bring people together for recreation and sporting events and social activities for many years and serve as a vital part of the community," said Minister Shea. "The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner with the South Shore community in supporting the new South Shore Actiplex."
The new facility is located just behind the site of the former South Shore Arena, which collapsed under the weight of snow in February 2001. The South Shore Arena, which had provided area residents with an ice surface for almost 47 years, was also the home of the popular Crapaud Exhibition, famous for its farming equipment displays and celebrations of community life.
Along with an expanded 85 ft by 200 ft ice surface, the South Shore Actiplex offers Crapaud and area residents additional services, including a walking track and a fitness centre equipped for weight and cardiovascular training and aerobics. It also houses a room to be used by local groups to host meetings and other community events. The facility will be open year-round, with the ice arena to serve minor hockey and skating associations for 22 weeks out of the year.
"In addition to the obvious health and recreation benefits of this new facility, special events such as tournaments, trade shows and conventions will provide direct economic benefits to local and area businesses," said Mr. Glenn Stewart, chairman of the Community of Crapaud Council. "The South Shore Actiplex will also act as a catalyst for community and regional development, as the presence of a recreational facility is often a determining factor when people and businesses look to locate in an area."
The South Shore Actiplex is owned and operated by the South Shore Community Organization, with the Community of Crapaud and the Crapaud Exhibition Association as key supporters of the facility.
"Being active is something we really want to promote in our community, so with the new complex in the area offering a number of options for activity...‘Actiplex' just seemed like the ideal name," said Mr. Wayne Thompson, chairperson, South Shore Community Organization. "With the generous support of community, businesses and individuals, a capital campaign has realized a total of $494,122 in pledges to date."
Projects in urban and rural communities across the province have now been announced under the five-year Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program. Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management systems and safe drinking water is the program's first priority. Other priorities include cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting local transportation, and affordable housing.
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.