More than $12 million will be invested in Island communities for projects ranging from water systems to sports fields under the second round of the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). Thanks to the funding announced today, 40 projects will benefit communities throughout Prince Edward Island.
“Canada’s New Government is pleased to work collaboratively with the Province and local governments on these projects which will have a direct impact on residents,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “These projects will help to maintain vibrant communities in rural and urban areas of the province.”
Over 50 percent of the funding announced today will go to “green” projects, thus exceeding the MRIF’s 40 percent requirement. These projects include improvements to local systems for water, wastewater and solid waste, and making municipal buildings more energy efficient. Other priorities under the agreement involve maintaining local roads, and developing local culture, recreation and tourism.
“Since its inception, the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund has brought more than $30 million in funding to Island communities,” said Premier Pat Binns. “We are pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to provide funding for priority areas in sewer and water, cultural and recreational facilities, municipal roads, and energy retrofits.”
"The impact of this excellent program reaches well beyond the direct benefits to those who use the infrastructure. The state of our municipal infrastructure has implications for the economy, public health, public safety, the environment, and quality of life. Modern infrastructure makes our cities, towns and communities more attractive places to live and work. This is critical, as we strive to curb the out-migration of our youth, stimulate population growth, and create an environment that fosters economic growth," said Stan Campbell, chairperson, Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities.
In October 2005, the partners announced the first round funding which saw $18.6 million invested in Island communities. Under MRIF, more than $54 million will be invested in infrastructure projects to support renewal, expansion and enhancement of infrastructure in all parts of the province. The MRIF 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.
BACKGROUNDER
Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Projects Approved:
The Canada Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) supports renewal, expansion or material enhancement of infrastructure in rural and urban parts of the province. *Projects are funded by equal contributions from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
The following is a list of Applicants, Projects, and *Total funding:
Borden-Carleton ~ Sewage Treatment plant, $1,410,000
Charlottetown ~ East Royalty Civic Building Reconstruction, $600,000; Cambridge St / Rilla Rd Storm Piping and Sidewalk, $350,699; Parkwood Storm Piping, $102,761; Maple Ave Storm Piping and Sidewalk Construction, $159,900; Bell Heights Storm Piping, $138,379; Conamore Dr / Fulton Dr Storm Piping, $345,969; Henri Blanchard Dr Storm Piping, $200,000; Angus Dr Storm Piping, $34,208; Trailview Dr Storm Piping, $95,702; Westhaven Cres Storm Piping, $80,251; Sydney St Storm Extension, $75,000
Ellerslie-Bideford ~ Construct Track and Soccer field, $243,661
Georgetown ~ Lagoon Upgrades, $242,990; Wellfield Upgrade and Chlorination, $203,550
Kensington ~ Water metering program, $76,200; Train Station Upgrades, $125,000
Community Council of Lot 11 & Area ~ Playground & Park Upgrade, $20,635
Montrose Community Club Inc. ~ Montrose Community Centre, $14,935
Murray Harbour ~ Community Centre Retrofit - Windows, $11,000
Gulf Shore Playground, North Rustico ~ Construct New Playground, $101,100
Community of North Rustico ~ Two New Wells and Chlorination, $185,040
Uigg-Kinross-Grandview Women's Institute ~ Uigg Community Center Renovations, $76,900
Wheatly River Women's Institute ~ Wheatley River Community Hall Improvement Project, $12,305
Afton ~ Afton Community Centre Upgrade, $55,103
Charlottetown ~ Simmons Roof Replacement, 112,082
Fort Augustus Rec Club ~ Fort Augustus Rec Centre Phase 2, $94,500
Georgetown/Environmental Industrial Services Inc. ~ Georgetown Water System - Building and Alarm System Upgrades, $105,600; Georgetown Water System - Modifications and Extensions of Watermains, $353,400
Kinkora ~ Kinkora Sewer Main Replacement - 2007, $118,000
Malpeque-Sea View ~ Community Hall Renovations, $37,182
Miscouche ~ Miscouche Subdivision 2006, $327,000
Montague ~ Montague Wellness Centre, $3,885,000
North Rustico ~ Winter Road Sewer Main Replacement, $117,936; Marshall and Riverview Street Sewer Main Replacement, $172,050
Resort Municipality ~ Seawood Estates Sewer Extension Phase 3, $155,772
Slemon Park Corporation ~ Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrades, $238,000
Stratford ~ Tea Hill to Keppoch Rd. Sewer Extension, $597,000
Stratford-Glen Stewart School Greater Grounds Committee ~ Playground Construction and Equipment, $191,500
Tignish ~ Church Street Water Main Extension, $128,000
The projects listed above have received funding through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund which is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Prince Edward Island Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
The Canada Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Secretariat is responsible for administering infrastructure programs in Prince Edward Island.
75 Fitzoy Street, Suite 301
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Toll Free: 1 888 240 4411
Fax: (902) 620 3383
e mail: cpei infrastructure@gov.pe.ca