Residents of Charlottetown will benefit from improvements to the city’s infrastructure and recreational facilities, thanks to combined investments of $3.95 million from the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, the City of Charlottetown and the Richmond Street Recreation and Social Club Inc.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour; His Worship Clifford Lee, Mayor of Charlottetown and, Wayne Hooper, Director General, Enterprise Development and Policy, with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (PEI) and Tourism on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA.
These projects will improve the city’s storm sewer system and pedestrian sidewalks as well as the infrastructure of numerous recreational facilities in the area, including Murphy’s Community Centre. These investments are made possible through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
“Today’s announcement is not just about building infrastructure -- it’s about the people that infrastructure serves,” said Minister Bertram. “The projects announced today will be a tremendous benefit to the residents of Charlottetown. These projects will help increase public safety, and provide upgrades to facilities for both sport and recreational activities.”
“The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in strategic infrastructure projects that keep our cities vibrant and strong,” said Wayne Hooper, Director General, Enterprise Development and Policy, of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (PEI) & Tourism. “Today's investments reflect our commitment to partner on initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all Islanders.”
“The City of Charlottetown is very pleased to be a funding partner for these much needed infrastructure projects in the Capital City,” said Mayor Lee. “This is a clear example of all levels of government working together to improve the quality of life for our citizens”
The Government of Canada will invest a third of the project costs, at an estimated amount of $1.3 million.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island MRIF is administered by the PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency through the Canada-PEI Infrastructure Secretariat. Project costs are shared on a one-third basis between the federal, provincial governments and project applicants. To obtain more information about infrastructure initiatives in Prince Edward Island, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/cca.
BACKGROUNDER
Funding of $3.95 million for the following projects is being provided through the Canada-Prince Edward Island MRIF. The Fund is administered jointly by the PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency through the Canada-PEI Infrastructure Secretariat. Project costs are shared on a one-third basis between the federal, provincial governments and project applicants.
Murphy’s Community Centre (Richmond Street Recreation Centre)
Total project cost - $669,340
The existing building, a three storey brick structure with 55,000 square feet of unusable space was built over 40 years ago and is incorporated as a non-profit recreation centre providing for regional bowling, basketball, Pilates, fitness classes, and dances. The current plan for the building is to make it completely accessible to all. This will include renovations to the washrooms, installation of an elevator, and modifications to the building's entranceways.
City of Charlottetown storm sewer and sidewalk
Total project cost - $2,200,000
The City will infill areas of open ditch, particularly in locations of deep ditch and/or high storm flow areas hazardous to the public. The City also has some significant pedestrian routes along major roadways and/or in school areas that do not have sidewalk infrastructure, leaving pedestrian traffic to share the pavement with vehicle traffic. The City will construct sidewalks in some of these areas to increase the safety.
Charlottetown Civic Centre Roof Replacement
Total project cost - $400,000
The Charlottetown Civic Centre's existing roof system is 18 years old and needs replacement. The roof membrane is shrinking and pulled away from the structure creating numerous leaks and water damage to the exterior and interior of the building.
Parkman Soccer Complex
Total project cost - $185,000
The Parkman Soccer Complex is a tri-field soccer complex located on the eastern end of the City. There are two new fields and this project would enable the third field to be completed, serving over 500 youth in the area.
Winsloe West Royalty Soccer Club
Total project cost - $180,000
An existing clubhouse in a renewed soccer complex is used primarily by the Winsloe West Royalty Soccer Club, with more than 500 users and visiting clubs, and it requires replacement. The new structure will include washroom facilities, an officials’ area, a canteen service, decking for viewing games and a common area for results etc.
Central Field Twinning Project
Total project cost - $330,000
The Central Field Twinning Project involves the construction of another softball field at the existing facility (which currently includes one field and a stadium). The project will be in preparation for the 2009 North American Youth Fastball Championships. The clustering of facilities enables the City to successfully engage in major event hosting as it allows host committees to deliver services in a sustainable way.