Taking a time-out from action on the ice, community residents and volunteers joined with government officials to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Belfast Recreation Centre. This project, identified as a priority by the local community, received funding under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Cardigan; the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs; and Ms. Monica Ross, on behalf of the Belfast Recreation Centre, participated in the official opening ceremonies. The event, featuring performances by the Belfast Consolidated School Choir and a ribbon cutting, was followed by an open skate for the public.
"I applaud the community for recognizing the benefits of expanding the Belfast Rec Centre, as it will better serve our local sports leagues and attract new interest – from tournaments to tourists – to Eastern Prince Edward Island," said Minister MacAulay, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The Government of Canada, through the Infrastructure Program, is pleased to partner with Islanders to improve our communities – the places in which we live, work and raise our families."
"The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to support the expansion of the Belfast Recreation Centre," says Minister Elmer MacFadyen. "The Belfast area has a long history of community spirit and development. It is my hope that this expanded centre will attract increased participation in physical activities by residents and visitors alike."
The expansion project included a complete renovation of the building at rink level, including the addition of six new dressing rooms with washroom facilities, rooms to accommodate referees and skate sharpening activities, a full canteen and kitchen area, a meeting room, and a new community centre. Additions to the building's upper level included a viewing area, an entertainment room, and office space. A new septic system and public washrooms were also installed to accommodate an anticipated increase in the use of the facility.
"On behalf of the community of Belfast, I am thankful to both provincial and federal governments for their contribution. I must also express my thanks to the many businesses, organizations, volunteers and supporters of Belfast Rec Centre," said Monica Ross, on behalf of the Belfast Recreation Centre. "With our completed expansion, we truly have a facility that is second to none and a welcome addition to our community."
The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island each contributed $129,821 to the project. Support for the remaining project costs came from the Belfast Community Council as well as from community collections, weekly lottery draws and a roast of the Belfast Rec Centre's President, David Cooper.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities provide the remaining one-third of project costs, making the program a unique partnership among all three levels of government, with infrastructure investments of more than $38 million in PEI over five years. The program is administered by ACOA and the PEI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. The Federation of PEI Municipalities is an ex-officio member of the program's management committee.