Governments celebrate completion of this important project
Families in Prince Edward Island now have greater access to clean, renewable energy, thanks to the Summerside Wind Farm. The Honourable Gail Shea, Canada’s Minister of National Revenue, and the Honourable Ron MacKinley Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for Prince Edward Island, joined together with Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart to celebrate the official opening of the Summerside Wind Farm.
“Our Government is focused on creating jobs and building economic opportunity for Canadians and the communities in which they live,” said Minister Shea. “The Summerside Wind Farm project is an example of what we are doing to keep Canadians working, our economy growing and our communities green.”
“Access to clean sources of renewable energy help improve the health and well being of communities like Summerside,” said Minister MacKinley. “This wind farm is already producing results for the people of this community and the province is pleased to have partnered in the project.”
The Summerside Wind Farm project was completed in two phases of construction. Phase One consisted of the purchase and installation of one wind turbine while Phase Two of the wind energy project saw the purchase and installation of three wind turbines at the North St. Eleanors’s site. Together, the wind farm has the potential to meet more than 25 per cent of the energy needs of the community of Summerside.
“On behalf of Summerside City Council, I would like to thank both the federal and provincial governments for their investment into this infrastructure in our community,” said Mayor Basil Stewart. “It has been a terrific project as the wind farm provides approximately 25 per cent of our electrical needs in green power to the city.”
The total estimated cost of Phase One was more than $5.7 million with the Government of Canada providing $1.9 million from the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund and $952,116 from the Gas Tax Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island contributed $1.9 million to this phase with the City of Summerside providing $952,116. The project cost for Phase Two was $24.3 million with the Government of Canada having provided $4.5 million from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. Phase Two also received $7.6 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund. The province of Prince Edward Island provided $4.5 million with the City of Summerside contributing the balance of funding. The total project cost of both phases was $30 million.
Canada and Prince Edward Island are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.
For more information on Infrastructure Canada investments, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
For more information on infrastructure programs in Prince Edward Island, visit www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.