Premier Robert Ghiz said today that four new projects have been approved in western Prince Edward Island as part of the Rural Action Plan. He visited projects in Tignish, O’Leary and Linkletter which are being undertaken in a partnership between the communities and the provincial government.
“Support for these and other projects reflects the commitment of the provincial government to rural communities throughout Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Ghiz. “I want to congratulate the spirit of the organizers for their initiative in undertaking these projects which play such an important role in their respective communities.”
Renovations will be completed at the Parish Centre in Tignish, which has been a centre for cultural events, community activities and social functions. Total cost of the project is $108,795. Skills PEI will contributed $85,725 and the Community Development Fund a further $13,000. The Tignish Parish Centre will contribute the balance of $10,070.
The Tignish Health Co-op will be completing an addition to its facilities which house a range of health and health-related services. The total cost of $203,585 is being shared with a contribution of $156,532 from Skills PEI, $40,000 from the Community Development Fund and $7,053 from the co-op.
In O’Leary, the Community Centre will be upgraded through improvements to the parking lot and a new barrier-free access with a total cost of $120,000. This will be shared with a contribution of $90,000 from the Island Community Fund and the balance by the centre. The Community Centre houses the local fire department, civic offices, library, daycare and public meeting rooms.
The Community of Linkletter will be constructing a new community centre at a total cost of $462,408. This will be financed through a contribution from the Island Community Fund of $93,266, Skills PEI of $255,780 and $113,362 from the community.
The Community Development Fund is administered by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development. The department recently assumed responsibility for administration of the Island Community Fund from the former Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. Skills PEI is administered by the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning.
During his tour of the area, Premier Ghiz met with Alberton Mayor Mike Murphy and O’Leary Village chair Nancy Wallace at their request to discuss opportunities for further development in the West Prince region. He said the provincial government and area representatives will be following up on a number of ideas to stimulate new employment and economic opportunities in the region.
“The new Rural Action Plan developed by the provincial government sets out a roadmap and 40 specific actions now underway or being finalized,” said Premier Ghiz. “The development of rural communities is a major priority of the provincial government and I look forward to continuing to work with rural Islanders to promote jobs and growth.”