The Tyne Valley Community Complex will receive federal and provincial funding to upgrade their kitchen facilities, an important investment that will allow the community to expand the annual Tyne Valley Oyster Festival.

“Our Government, through its Economic Action Plan, recognizes the importance of maintaining community infrastructure, which in turn supports tourism growth and assists with economic development,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “By upgrading the kitchen facilities in the Tyne Valley Community Complex, we are investing in both the Tyne Valley Community and local festivals and events.”

The project will provide funding to renovate and purchase equipment for the kitchen facilities at the Tyne Valley Community Complex in support of local festivals and events. The kitchen facilities are utilized during the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival for the preparation of the famous oyster suppers, as well as various community events throughout the year. A modernized facility will provide a venue to host more events, draw more people to the area, and provide economic benefits to other businesses in the community.

“Community Infrastructure is a key component to our rural way of life,” said Paula Biggar, MLA for Tyne Valley – Linkletter, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “This facility is used extensively year round; the new kitchen facilities will help to further the usage of the building and create a more accessible space.”

The Government of Canada is investing over $30,000 in this project through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). Province of Prince Edward Island through the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour is providing over $6,500 from the Island Community Fund. The Tyne Valley Firemen’s Club is contributing $4,450 towards the project.

The Tyne Valley Community Complex includes a firemen’s club, bowling centre, and kitchen and banquet facilities. The facility has a historic relationship with the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival. For the past 15 years, members at the complex have prepared and served upwards of 1,200 oyster dinners over a two-day period in the current facilities.

“The Complex benefits our community and allows us to host many tourist events,” said Ernest Newcombe, President of the Tyne Valley Community Complex. “This funding will allow us to improve our kitchen, host more events and serve more people.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan will provide a total of $1 billion over two years through CAF to support initiatives such as reforestation activities, investments in machinery or equipment, demonstration of new mining technologies, initiatives to improve market access for products and other local economic diversification activities.

The Government of Prince Edward Island has committed a total of $27.5 million in Island Community Fund funding for six years. For more information on the program, visit the Infrastructure Secretariat website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.

The Island Community Fund is just one component of the over $80 million the province is investing in infrastructure for our one island community.

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Tyne Valley Community Complex is receiving funding to upgrade their kitchen facilities, thanks to a combined investment from the federal and provincial governments and the community.

Minister Gail Shea, MLA Paula Biggar, and Ernest Newcombe, President of Tyne Valley Community Complex, made the announcement today. The combined investment of $43,500 will support the renovation of the kitchen facilities and the purchase of new equipment. The facility is used year round but its showcase event is the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival, where upwards of 1,200 oyster dinners are prepared and served.

-30-

INFORMATION:

Rebecca Bruce 
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-368-0264
 
Autumn Tremere
Dept of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour
902-368-5610