The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, along with the Honourable Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, announced today improvements to recreational infrastructure in Kings County. The Governments announced an investment of more than $50,000 under the Government of Canada’s Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program and the Prince Edward Island Community Fund (ICF).
“Through our Economic Action Plan, recreational clubs, soccer fields and playgrounds are being upgraded for our communities, providing residents with places for healthy active living,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our government’s investment in projects like these stimulate the local economy, support local jobs and enhance community facilities that will benefit area residents for years to come.”
The projects include upgrades to the Georgetown Elementary School playground by installing brand new CSA-approved equipment such as slides, climbers, walking bridges and an overhead hanger. The second project in Fort Augustus, includes upgrades to the existing playground, soccer field and Lions club facility, including the installation of new soccer nets, swings and upgrades to the facility such as new windows, siding and repairs to the roof.
“The provincial government is pleased to partner with the federal government and with local organizations to enhance recreational opportunities throughout Prince Edward Island,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. “One of the goals of the Rural Action Plan is to strengthen rural communities as great places in which to live and work. These projects will be an asset to our communities and I congratulate the sponsors on their initiative.”
The provincial portion of the financing comes from the Island Community Fund, a provincially funded infrastructure program.
The Government of Prince Edward Island has committed a total of $27.5 million in ICF funding for six years. For more information on funding under Island Community Fund, visit the website at www.gov.pe.ca/fard. The Island Community Fund is just one component of the over $80 million the province is investing in infrastructure for our One Island Community.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years through the RInC program, to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across Canada, and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. The RInC program is delivered in Atlantic Canada by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
BACKGROUNDER
Georgetown Playground Upgrades
This project will see upgrades to the Georgetown Elementary School playground. This project will result in the installation of CSA-approved equipment such as slides, climbers, walking bridges and an overhead hanger.
The total project cost is $35,000. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $14,700 and the Government of Canada is investing $11,550. The Georgetown Home and School Association will fund the remaining amount of $8,750.
Fort Augustus Lions Club Recreation Upgrades
This project will result in upgrades to the existing playground, soccer field and Lions club facility. The project includes the installation of new soccer nets, swings and upgrades to the facility such as new windows, siding and repairs to the roof.
The total project cost is $15,789. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $6,632 and the Government of Canada is investing $5,210.37. The Fort Augustus and Area Lions Club Inc. will fund the remaining amount of $3,946.63