The Eastern Kings Community Council will receive funding under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program for an emergency upgrade to the water and sewage systems of the Eastern Kings Recreation Centre. A total of $17,004, cost-shared by the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island and the Eastern Kings Community Council, will be invested under the infrastructure program to resolve recurring water quality problems at the centre.

This important investment in "green" and rural community infrastructure was announced today by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Andy Mooney, MLA for Souris-Elmira, on behalf of the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs for Prince Edward Island; Mr. Charles Stewart, former chairperson of the Eastern Kings Community Council; and Mr. Myles Rose, president of the Eastern Kings Recreation Centre.

"This important infrastructure investment secures the very future of the Eastern Kings Recreation Centre by restoring its ability to offer clean drinking water to residents and visitors," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "A healthy environment is essential to the development of a strong and sustainable economy. We are pleased to support the basic infrastructure needs of the Eastern Kings Community Council, which has identified this water and wastewater management project as its first priority."

"For the past number of years, the Eastern Kings Recreation Centre has experienced problems with its water and septic systems, which have had significant effects on the usage of the facility." said Andy Mooney, MLA for Souris-Elmira, on behalf of the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. "I am pleased that the Government of Prince Edward Island through the Canada- Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program is able to support enhancements to this facility providing social and recreational opportunities for area residents."

The project involves the drilling of a new water well and the replacement of the facility's aging sewer system. Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2003 and be completed in time for the tourism season. The Eastern Kings Recreation Centre hosts a weekly ceilidh during the summer months, and is used year-round for many community events for residents of all ages.

"As a volunteer community organization, the Eastern Kings Recreation Centre plays an integral role in the life of our residents," said Mr. Stewart. "This support from the federal and provincial governments through the infrastructure program will allow us to continue to operate while effectively managing our water and wastewater systems."

The first priority of the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program is green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management systems and safe drinking water. This project in Eastern Kings will support the program in achieving the goal of investing at least 60 per cent of program funds in green municipal infrastructure projects and at least 46 per cent in rural areas of the province.

The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities provide the remaining one-third of project costs, making the program a unique partnership among all three levels of government, with infrastructure investments of more than $38 million in PEI over five years. The program is administered by ACOA and the P.E.I. Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

For more information, please contact:

Corey Hobbs						
Office of the Minister of State for ACOA		
(613) 941-7241

Danielle Gauthier					
ACOA PEI and Tourism		 
(902) 566-7569

Jennifer Cormier
Community and Cultural Affairs
(902) 368-5829

Charles Stewart
Eastern Kings Community Council
(902) 357-2604