Seventeen projects in communities from Summerside to Tignish have been approved under the first round of the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program. The total value of the projects is $6.6 million.
"I am pleased that the Government of Canada continues to work cooperatively with communities and the province to help build and expand infrastructure needs that have been identified from within the community. When these projects are completed, they will have a tremendous positive impact on the environment and support long-term economic growth for our area," said Joe McGuire, Member of Parliament for Egmont on behalf of the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Reflecting the first priority of the Infrastructure Program, the majority of the funding will be used for improving green municipal infrastructure. In Summerside, sewer and water mains will be replaced and the lift station will be upgraded. Slemon Park and Miscouche sewer mains will be replaced, and the Alberton sewer line will be expanded. In Tignish, the water system will be extended. The Tyne Valley and Miscouche sewer lagoons will be upgraded. Finally, Northport Development Corporation will receive funding to provide necessary sewer and water infrastructure to facilitate its planned major tourism project.
"The Infrastructure Program enables Island communities to work with government
to identify needs and priorities and to enhance environmental infrastructure and facilities," said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. "I am pleased to see the overwhelming response and cooperation from Island communities. I am sure this program will offer long-lasting benefits to our communities and to our economy."
Recreational and cultural facilities, local transportation and affordable housing are other priorities under the Infrastructure Program. An affordable housing project approved under this first round of projects is the $1.3 million Tignish Seniors Home. Improvements will be made to the facilities to host the Jeux de L'Acadie and the Festival Acadien in Abram-Village. The Sherbrooke Recreation Centre, St. Jude Recreation Centre and the St. Nicholas recreation fields will be undergoing renovations. In O'Leary, the sidewalk will be expanded and federal and provincial governments will be meeting soon with the community to discuss environmental issues in the area.
A total of 56 projects representing urban and rural communities across the province have been announced. During the five-year infrastructure program, the Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island will each contribute $12.8 million. The total minimum funding from local governments must equal this amount. Under the first round, the federal and provincial governments have committed two-thirds of available funds. Other projects will be considered in the future.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program is administered by ACOA and the PEI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. The Federation of PEI Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.
Environmental assessments have been completed on 53 of the 56 projects. Final approval on the three remaining projects will not be granted until the environmental assessments are complete.