In just over a year, a project to reconstruct the East Royalty Civic Centre has gone from just a concept to reality. The original Malcolm Darrach Centre has been replaced by a new 5,000 square foot, wheelchair accessible facility, which was officially opened today.
Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour; and His Worship, Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee took part in the opening celebrations.
The $921,000 facility was built on the site of the former civic building located on the corner of Avonlea Drive and MacRae Drive. Project costs were shared by the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the City of Charlottetown under the Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Agreement with each paying one-third of the eligible costs.
“The Government of Canada continues to work with its partners to get things done for the people of PEI,” said Mr. Keddy. “Our government's investment of nearly $310,000 has allowed this community to replace their aging structure with a modern and energy efficient community centre. This new building will serve the neighbourhood of East Royalty for years to come.”
The building will be a focal point for many neighbourhood activities and organizations including the Lion’s Club and also houses a daycare and a seniors’ centre.
“East Royalty is a growing area,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “The goal of this project was to provide a safe, friendly and barrier free environment where neighbors can come together for social activities and celebrations; those goals have certainly been met. The Province of Prince Edward Island was delighted to have played a part in the development of the Malcolm Darrach Centre, a community driven infrastructure initiative.”
“This community centre has been and continues to be an integral part of this neighbourhood and I thank the federal and provincial governments for their contribution for this new much needed facility in the neighbourhood of East Royalty. Community Centres are often the focal point within the community and this is another great example,” said Mayor Lee.