Eleven Prince Edward Island communities will be able to invest in infrastructure projects ranging from water systems and walking trails to sustainability plans thanks to more than $470,000 from the Canada-PEI Gas Tax Agreement.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour; and Bruce MacDougall, President of the Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support infrastructure improvements for Island communities,” said Minister MacKay. “As part of Building Canada, our government’s $33-billion infrastructure plan, PEI communities will receive a total of $88.5 million under the Gas Tax Fund between 2007 and 2014. This funding will help the communities of PEI address their most pressing infrastructure needs and contribute to their well-being and long-term prosperity.”
“It is exciting to see the millions of dollars going to Island communities through these programs,” said Minister Bertram. “With federal, provincial and municipal investments, we continue to make our cities, towns and communities more attractive places to live and work. The positive impacts on the economy, public safety, and the environment improve the quality of life for us all, and help to attract new residents who want to share in our lifestyle. The provincial government is pleased to be a contributing partner in the Gas Tax Agreement, which enabled these community initiatives to become a reality.”
“Modern infrastructure 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 Mr. MacDougall. “Island communities, both big and small, will benefit from this funding."
The funding announced today is part of the Communities and Capacity Building Fund (CCBF), which is a component of the Canada-PEI Gas Tax Agreement. The CCBF assists communities in establishing long-term sustainability by developing and implementing projects such as the creation of integrated community sustainability plans and capital investment plans. The CCBF also assists smaller communities with projects such as environmental retrofits for municipal buildings, municipal transit, and solutions for water, sewer and wastewater issues.
Gas Tax funding is available to local governments for environmentally sustainable projects that lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air or cleaner water. The Gas Tax Agreement is administered in Prince Edward Island by the PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, and representatives from the Federation of PEI Municipalities preside as members on the management committee.
Through its unprecedented $33 billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.
For more information about federal and provincial infrastructure initiatives on Prince Edward Island, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.