Three Island community centres have undergone significant renovations to improve energy efficiency thanks to an investment of more than $265,000 by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Under the Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), each level of government contributed one-third of the total funding for the enhancements to the Alexandra Community Centre, the Northport Community Centre and the Fort Augustus Recreation Club.
“Canada’s New Government is working with its partners to get things done for the people of Prince Edward Island,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Our government supports projects, such as these, which ensure the continued viability of our rural community centres.”
“Through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, our government is helping communities across Prince Edward Island build the local infrastructure required to improve the quality of life and take advantage of new economic opportunities,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour for Prince Edward Island. “Communities are the foundation of our province and we are so proud to support their infrastructure needs.”
The Alexandra Community Centre received over $64,000 in enhancements including replacement of its deteriorating stone foundation as well as upgrades to its electrical, plumbing and heating systems to meet building codes and improve energy efficiency.
“We are very pleased to receive support from both levels of government for this project, which will help ensure the structural integrity of the facility,” said Dianne Wood, Chair of the Community of Alexandra. “These renovations are important for the facility, which is used to host many events such as community meetings, socials and bazaars.”
The Northport Community Centre renovations totaled more than $98,000 and included the installation of highlight windows to enhance natural lighting and take advantage of passive heat. More energy efficient toilets, faucets, ventilation and insulation were also installed, and upgrades were made to the plumbing, heating and cooling systems.
“Northport is a small community and it would have been impossible to undertake a project of this magnitude without the assistance of the federal and provincial governments,” says David Gaudet, Chair of the Community of Northport. “This project will allow our municipal building to operate in a more energy efficient manner, reduce energy consumption and act as a model for the citizens of the community.”
The Fort Augustus Recreation Centre project involved more than $104,000 to enhance the roof to meet current building code standards and improve energy efficiency. Upgrades to the parking lot have improved public safety and wheelchair accessibility.
“These renovations will extend the life of our recreation Centre,” said James Dunn, Manager of the Fort Augustus Recreation Club. “We know that having a more energy-efficient building will have an impact on our operating costs and allow us to offer our community a place to gather for many years to come.”
The improvements made to each of these facilities will make them more inviting and may lead to new uses of the buildings, such as childcare and meeting spaces for community organizations. These improvements will help ensure sustainability.
The Canada-PEI Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) is a joint initiative between Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments. For more information, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.