Residents of the Town of Montague and surrounding area will benefit from a $3.4 million investment in a state-of-the-art wellness centre and improved access to potable water thanks to a shared contribution of the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island.
The Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, was joined for the announcement today by Patrick Dorsey, Vice-President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (PEI) and Tourism, and Montague Councillor Bernie Crawford.
The highly anticipated Montague Wellness Centre will receive an additional $1.2 million in funding under the Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). In addition to hosting the wrestling competition during the 2009 Canada Games, this venue will include a full-size arena, walking track, dressing rooms, 3,000 square foot library, community space, and meeting rooms. The total project cost for the Centre is $6,739,482.
“The new Montague Wellness Centre will be a tremendous legacy for the Town and will ensure that athletes, as well as the general public, have access to high-quality sport facilities for years to come,” said Minister Bertram. “And the water servicing project will see that all Town residents have access to clean water through their municipal utility. Our Province is proud to be able to support such outstanding projects, which will benefit the residents of Montague and the surrounding communities.”
Through the new Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, the Town has been approved for a $2,210,000 water service extension, which will complete the construction of a central water distribution system throughout the Town of Montague. All residents will have access to a safe and adequate supply of potable water. In addition, fire protection services within the town will be enhanced by the hydrant system.
"The Government of Canada continues to make strategic investments in infrastructure projects like the Montague Wellness Centre and the Water System Expansion project that keep our towns and cities vibrant and strong," said Patrick Dorsey, Vice-President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (PEI) & Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. "The Government understands the vital role infrastructure plays in supporting the long-term growth for Atlantic Canada."
The project will consist of constructing approximately 4,550 meters of water distribution mains and approximately 130 service laterals for new customers. The town proposes to construct new water distribution mains on all streets that do not currently have the service.
“The Town is very pleased and excited to have these projects approved and we look forward to their timely completion,” said Councillor Bernie Crawford. “We want to thank the Provincial and Federal Governments for their support towards the better health and wellness of the citizens of Montague and the surrounding area, and we know that these projects will go a long way in making that goal a reality.”
The amendment to the Montague Wellness Centre project is being funded through Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The Water Servicing Extension is the first project in Prince Edward Island to be approved for funding through the Communities Component of the of Building Canada Fund. Both programs include equal funding contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the Town of Montague.
For more information about infrastructure initiatives in Prince Edward Island, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.