Hon. Greg Deighan, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Helen MacDonald, MLA for St. Eleanors - Summerside, today announced $120,000 in provincial assistance for projects in Summerside.
The province is providing $75,000 toward the purchase of a new ice-making system at the Silver Fox Curling Club. This funding comes in the form of $50,000 from the Community Development Bureau of the Department of Development and Technology and $25,000 from the Recreation and Sport Facilities Development Program of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
"Upgrading the system will help the club generate substantial savings and will provide a safer environment for residents of the Summerside area to enjoy. The new ice surface will also allow for increased opportunities for physical activity contributing to overall health and well-being," said Minister Deighan. "The province is committed to building stronger communities through the Community Development Bureau and the Recreation and Sport Facilities Development Program. The Silver Fox has been a main community meeting place for a number of years."
Built in 1981, the current ice-making system is showing its age. The 36-tonne capacity is no longer adequate for six curling surfaces and uses an amonia/brine system. The new system will have 42-tonne capacity and will use freon, which is more environmentally friendly. The new system will be operational in April 2003.
The province has also announced $45,000 toward phase one of the Summerside Sustainable Tourism Initiative. This funding is through the Community Development Bureau of the Department of Development and Technology.
"This is important funding toward the major redevelopment of the waterfront which we believe will strengthen the tourism industry in the city," said Ms. MacDonald. "I am pleased that government is a partner in this initiative and is able to provide the necessary provincial dollars to make the project successful."
Minister Deighan and Ms. MacDonald presented cheques to Carl Delaney, General Manager of the Silver Fox Curling Club and Arnold Croken, Executive Director of the Summerside Sustainable Tourism Initiative.