Improvements at three recreational facilities in Tyne Valley, Victoria West and O’Leary have been undertaken with a combined investment of more than $237,000 by the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island and the local organizations.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, along with the Honourable Neil LeClair, Minister
of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, and local representatives made the announcement today.
“Our government’s investment through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program is helping to improve valuable community facilities while generating additional local economic activity in Tyne Valley, O’Leary and Victoria West,” said Minister Shea. “The RInC program is a
key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan that is helping us build our way through these challenging economic times.”
The projects include new arena lighting for the Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre; important upgrades to the Ellis Ballfield in the Community of O’Leary; and, improvements to the ballfield and playground in Victoria West.
"The partnership between the federal and provincial governments and community organizations is having positive results for the people of these communities, and will help to strengthen recreational opportunities," said Prince Edward Island Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair. "Under the Rural Action Plan, the provincial government has made a major commitment to enhancing social and economic opportunities in rural communities."
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 ACOA.
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
the Province’s One Island Community.
BACKGROUNDER:
Arena Lighting Upgrade, Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre - The Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre was founded in 1964 and owns and operates the Tyne Valley arena. This project enabled the replacement and upgrading of the arena lighting over the ice surface. The new lighting system consists of 33 new T-5 high output energy efficient fluorescent fixtures.
The total project cost is $24,500. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $12,284 and the Government of Canada is contributing $8,085. The Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre is contributing $4,131.
Ballfield Upgrade, Lady Slipper Community Council - The ballfield in Victoria West is being upgraded by expanding the area to include a larger open field, fencing, dugouts and regulation standard equipment. A new CSA-approved
playground structure will also be added.
The total project cost is $64,000. The Government of Canada is investing $21,318. The Province of Prince Edward Island is investing $27,132 and the Lady Slipper Community
Council is contributing $15,550.
Ellis Ballfield Upgrade, Community of O’Leary - The Community of O’Leary is upgrading the existing regulation-size Ellis Ballfield by adding lighting and improving the drainage.
The total project cost is $148,795. The Government of Canada has invested $46,764. The Province of Prince Edward Island contributed $46,700 and the Community of O’Leary has
invested $55,331.