As the Cornwall Thunder and Charlottetown Islander AAA Midget players waited in the dressing rooms for their turn on the ice, officials joined community residents and volunteers to officially open the APM Centre, a $3.5 million multipurpose recreational complex funded under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program.
Mr. Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque; the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs; and Mr. Ron Keefe, President of Communities 13 Inc., participated in the official opening ceremonies. Mr. Jack Kelly, Mayor of Cornwall, and Mr. Warren MacDonald of Darlington, were also on hand to represent the largest and smallest community partners in the new facility.
"This new facility has something for everyone – an ice surface for hockey players and figure skaters, a gymnasium for sporting activities, and community rooms for meetings and community events," said Mr. Easter, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "I am very pleased that the Government of Canada is a partner in this facility, as it is sure to play a vital role in the growth and well-being of Islanders. Congratulations to the thirteen communities for their successful partnership."
"The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner in the development of this new multi-purpose recreational facility. This new centre is a clear demonstration of what communities and government can accomplish through working in partnership," said Minister MacFadyen. "Sport and recreation are vital to the health and well-being of all Islanders, and the Government of PEI is pleased to work with communities in reaching our goal of making Prince Edward Island the most active province in Canada."
The new facility, located in Cornwall, features an 85-foot by 200-foot ice surface, with stadium seating to accommodate 600 people; a gymnasium, which will double as a room for community events; a walking track overlooking the gymnasium; and a 1200-square-foot space to be used as a fitness/weight room. The wheelchair accessible facility also houses a canteen, a kitchen, a board room for meetings and a multi-purpose room with a view of the ice surface.
The facility is owned and operated by Communities 13 Inc., a not-for-profit organization. Its members are residents of the following thirteen communities who decided to come together in support of a new multi-purpose facility to meet their recreation needs: Afton, Clyde River, Cornwall, Darlington, Kingston, Hampshire, Meadowbank, Miltonvale Park, New Haven/Riverdale, North Wiltshire, Warren Grove, West River and Winsloe South.
Under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada contributed $1.5 million and the Government of Prince Edward Island contributed $500,000 towards the construction of the facility. The thirteen communities contributed a combined $1 million, with the land donated by the Town of Cornwall. Communities 13 Inc. has been fundraising to secure a remaining $786,000, which includes funds for the purchase of equipment.
"With the support of the 13 communities and the federal and provincial governments, we have been able to put in place the core funding required to construct this wonderful facility. Through the generous support of businesses and individuals, our capital campaign has realized a total of $525,000 in pledges to date, with about $86,000 of that total raised through our community-based 50/50 draws," said Mr. Ron Keefe, President of Communities 13 Inc., adding that the group has about $261,000 left to raise. "The commitment of the communities and the generosity and hard work of local residents and retailers have far exceeded our expectations on this project. For that reason, I would like to dedicate this facility to all residents of the 13 communities and to the many volunteers who have made this happen. I invite all residents to join in the grand opening festivities throughout the weekend."
The APM Centre will be open for use year-round and, as early as next week, will host the events associated with Cornfest, the Cornwall and area annual community festival (September 12 through 15). The centre's recreational programs will soon be developed based on residents' input, with groups and individuals also invited to rent space for wedding receptions and other community events.
Projects in urban and rural communities across the province have now been announced under the five-year Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program. Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management systems and safe drinking water is the program's first priority. Other priorities include cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting local transportation, and affordable housing.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program 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.