SCOTCHFORT, PE, May 24, 2024
/CNW/ - A new recreation centre will be built
in Scotchfort after a combined investment of $17 million through the Green and Inclusive
Community Buildings (GICB) program from the federal government
and the Government of Prince Edward
Island.
This was announced by Minister Lawrence
MacAulay, MLA Sidney MacEwen, and Chief Roderick W. Gould Jr.
The new centre will be connected to the new Abegweit Connects
community building, and give Islanders a new space to play, learn,
get healthy, and come together.
This net-zero facility will also be home for sports games,
year-round Mawi'omi celebrations, and other regional events.
It will also provide space for all Islanders to connect with
Mi'kmaw language, storytelling, and culture. And, in cases of
extreme climate events, the building will be used as a warming and
cooling centre for all residents in the region.
Quotes
"Here in Eastern PEI, we know just how important it is to build
greener, more resilient communities, and the new Abegweit
Recreation Centre is another step in the right direction. This will
be a place for folks to gather, learn about and celebrate Mi'kmaq
culture, and participate in sports and other community activities.
It'll also be an inclusive, publicly accessible, climate resilient,
net-zero space, showcasing our shared commitment to environmental
sustainability."
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and
Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"The Province is pleased to support Abegweit First Nation with
funding for their new community recreation centre. This promises
significant benefits to the community, as it will become a hub for
essential and recreational services that supports Indigenous
people. This strategic investment demonstrates our commitment to
working with the PEI Mi'kmaq on shared priorities of economic
development, community wellbeing, and prosperity."
Sidney MacEwen, MLA for
Morell-Donagh
"This is a significant investment for our community, and for
rural PEI, that will support our growth in a variety of areas and
provide all Islanders with access to a diverse range of
recreational spaces, equipment, and activities. A recreation centre
of this scale will not only improve health outcomes for our people
but create prosperity in the area by supporting new jobs and
enhancing economic opportunities. This centre will also maintain
Abegweit's commitment to environmental sustainability and climate
resilience. Wela'lioq to all our partners, this is reconciliation
in action."
Roderick W. Gould Jr., Chief of Abegweit First
Nation
Quick facts
- The federal government is investing $9,000,000 in this project through the Green and
Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and the Government of
Prince Edward Island is funding
$8,000,000. Abegweit First Nation is
prepared to leverage additional funding sources as required.
- The GICB program was created in support of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy
Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan's
first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing
energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate
change.
- The program is providing $1.5
billion over five years towards green and accessible
retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
- At least 10 percent of funding is allocated to projects serving
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous
populations in urban centres.
- The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community
Buildings Program is now closed.
- The funding announced today builds on the federal government's
work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying
jobs and strengthen local economies.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements
related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental
assessment obligations.
Associated links
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Prince Edward Island
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-pe-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada