Government investments in infrastructure are making it more inviting than ever to walk through the streets of Charlottetown.
Over the past year, more than $2.75 million dollars has been invested into the city’s storm drainage systems through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The federal, provincial and municipal governments contribute equally to the fund, or almost $920,000 each for this initiative.
“Canada’s New Government, through the Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, was pleased to invest almost $920,000 in these initiatives,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “These projects provide yet another example of how Canada’s New Government is working cooperatively with the provincial and municipal governments to keep our Island communities vibrant and strong.”
“Charlottetown has seized a great opportunity to partner with the provincial and federal governments to make significant improvements to its downtown area,” says the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “Congratulations to the community for their vision in creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.”
Charlottetown is currently in the midst of upgrading its sidewalks and water flow systems, being careful to preserve the historical nature of the downtown core. These upgrades include the installation of piped storm sewers, which are improving storm water drainage and creating a safer walking area for pedestrians.
The areas of the city which have already benefited by these upgrades include Angus Drive, Westhaven, Trailview Drive, Parkwood, Bell Heights, Maple Avenue, Henri Blanchard Drive, Conamore Drive, Fulton Drive, Cambridge Street, Rilla Road, Queen Street, MacRae Drive, Francis Lane, and the recently completed Sydney Street.
“Sydney Street is an important part of our city,” said Mayor Lee. “We have seen much growth in this area of the city, with new businesses opening, and being adjacent to historical Great George Street; it is a popular spot for visitors and tourists alike.”
Recent upgrades to Sydney Street included the burial of utility lines, removal of existing poles, replacement of current concrete sidewalk with brick paving stones, and the addition of curbing, benches and lighting. Through a separate initiative, ACOA provided $209,940 through its Business Development Program, the City of Charlottetown provided $64,200 and the private sector provided $46,860.
The city will continue to develop its storm drainage system; in April it received an additional $2.01 Million equal share funding through MRIF for further Storm Drainage and Sidewalk Construction.
BACKGROUNDER
Charlottetown Storm Sewer Projects under MRIF:
Angus Dr Storm Piping - $ 34,208
Sydney St Storm Extension - $ 75,000
Westhaven Storm - $ 80,251
Trailview Dr Storm Piping - $ 95,702
Parkwood Storm Piping - $ 102,761
Bell Heights Storm Piping - $ 138,379
Maple Ave Storm Piping and Sidewalk Construction - $ 159,900
Henri Blanchard Dr Storm Piping - $ 200,000
Conamore Dr / Fulton Dr Storm Piping - $ 345,969
Cambridge St / Rilla Rd Storm Piping and Sidewalk Construction - $ 350,699
Queen Street storm sewer replacement - $ 360,000
MacRae Drive storm piping & sidewalk construction - $ 390,000
Francis Lane storm sewer - $ 420,000
TOTAL COMPLETED - $ 2,752,869
Storm Drainage and Sidewalk Construction: $ 2,010,000
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund:
The Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) is a funding program to increase or enhance Island Municipal Infrastructure.
At least 60 per cent of the funds will be directed to green infrastructure projects. This includes projects that will protect and/or enhance the quality of our environment, such as water and wastewater systems, water management, and solid waste management.
Other eligible projects focus on improving local transportation infrastructure and enhancing cultural and recreational infrastructure.
To date, 84 MRIF projects have been approved or recommended, representing 41 communities across PEI, with a total cost of over $52.5 million. Funding for MRIF is an equally contributed between the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments.
For more information about federal and provincial infrastructure initiatives on Prince Edward Island, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.