A new provincial government investment of $710,000 is being used to renovate the Hunter River Community Hall, the Cymbria Lions Club and the Wheatley River Hall, and to add an addition to the Milton Community Hall, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair.
“Local halls have served as community centers in rural areas of the province for generations,” said Minister LeClair. “Renovating these halls will not only ensure they remain available as public meeting places for local communities but also address the accessibility needs of many Islanders.”
The total cost of the four projects is $1,083,000. The Island Community Fund is contributing approximately $451,000, with the community sponsors providing $373,000 overall. Skills PEI will be contributing $259,000.
The Hunter River Community Hall needs extensive renovations to enhance accessibility to the library and CAP site, as well as provide more space to host community events. The total cost of the project is $384,000. The Island Community Fund is contributing $140,000 to this project. Skills PEI will be contributing $101,000.
The Milton Community Hall is more than half a century old and needs to be modernized and expanded to maintain its community public meeting space and address its accessibility. The total cost of the project is $420,500. The Island Community Fund is contributing $150,000 to this project. Skills PEI will be contributing $86,100.
The Cymbria Lions Club needs considerable renovations to serve the community and improve its accessibility. The total cost of the project is $263,000. The Island Community Fund is contributing $150,000 to this project. Skills PEI will be contributing $72,800.
The Wheatley River Hall is an aging facility and needs renovations to continue to host community meetings and events. The total cost of the project is $16,000. The Island Community Fund is contributing $11,000 to this project.
“The Skills PEI support for these projects allows Islanders to gain valuable on-the-job skills and experience while contributing to the improvement and expansion of important community facilities,” said Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.
“It is great to have the opportunity to invest in Islanders while strengthening rural communities.”
“Upgrading the infrastructure of these halls will ensure these communities have modern, accessible, local facilities for years to come,” said Mr. LeClair.
The Island Community Fund is a six-year $27.5 million program established by the provincial government to address infrastructure needs with a focus on rural communities.