Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister Responsible for Recreation and Sport presented cheques to four community projects in PEI today under the Recreation and Sport Facilities Development Program.
The Recreation and Sport Facility Development Program is designed to assist in addressing aging facilities and facility deficiencies through the planning, construction, renovation and conservation of facilities for public recreation purposes.
Community organizations receiving funding under the program today include: Cornwall, North Rustico, and Borden-Carleton and L. M. Montgomery School. Cheques were presented for the first installments of funding for each project.
"Through the Recreation and Sport Facilities Development Program, we are working with communities and organizations to build much needed infrastructure within Island communities," says Minister Shea. "The partnerships with communities are integral in ensuring that the program adequately reflects the needs of the community." Funding of $12, 500 was approved to assist in the development of a multipurpose outdoor recreation facility in the Town of Cornwall. The project will include extensions to the trail system, a skateboard area, winter skating area and other updates and expansions. The total project cost is $111,650.
The Stella Maris Boys and Girls Club in North Rustico will receive funding of $10,575 toward renovations to the Boys and Girls Club. Work will include roof repair, stairwell repair, new windows, doors and siding. The total cost of the project is $42,300.
Funding of $8,050, was also approved to assist in the creation of a Fun ‘n Fit Fitness and Youth Centre in Borden-Carleton. The project will consist of acquiring the old school in the area and converting it into a fitness and youth centre complete with cardio equipment, universal gym, an area for youth to hold concerts and dances, computer and Internet access, video games and an area for skateboarding. The total project cost is $52,200.
New playground equipment will be purchased for L. M. Montgomery School. Funding under the program has been approved for $14,404. The total project cost is $57,618. The new playground equipment will enhance social interaction among students.
The Recreation and Sport Facilities Development Program is an initiative of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Culture, Heritage, Recreation and Sport Division.