UPEI receives funding for upgrades for 2023 Canada Winter Games
UPEI will receive $300,000 through ACOA's Canada Community Revitalization Fund to update facilities in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre for the 2023 Canada Winter Games. The funding is one of two revitalization projects, totalling $1.3 million, announced by the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister Responsible for ACOA, on August 5 at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.
The following is a news release issued by ACOA after the announcement:
Prince Edward Island will benefit from federal investments to support the 2023 Canada Winter Games
Government of Canada creating the conditions for local economies to thrive
August 5, 2022 · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces that promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced total investments of $1,300,000 for two revitalization projects to support the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, also took part in the event.
A non-repayable contribution of $1,000,000, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), to the 2023 Canada Winter Games Host Society Inc., will support investments in essential infrastructure, sports equipment, athlete accommodation, as well as the visitor safety and facility upgrades required to ensure the success of the 2023 Canada Games.
Additionally, a non-repayable contribution of $300,000, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), to the University of Prince Edward Island, will support updates to the campus athletics complex, including change room and washroom renovations, required to meet current Canada Games accessibility standards.
These investments will position the 2023 Canada Winter Games for success, and will also leave a lasting legacy for communities on Prince Edward Island, who will benefit from these accessibility, technology, and infrastructure upgrades for years to come.
The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Quotes
"Strong, vibrant communities in Prince Edward Island are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in projects that help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure, like those required to host the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island, helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, and creates good jobs. Today’s investments in local infrastructure will benefit the whole community for years to come.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Our province is honoured to host the 2023 Canada Winter Games, and we are looking forward to welcoming athletes from across the country in our newly upgraded, and more accessible sport facilities. Long after the Games are over, this community infrastructure will continue to promote physical activity and wellness for Islanders, and I am proud that these investments will leave a lasting legacy in our province.”
- Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“We are delighted to have ACOA contribute funding for the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games. ACOA’s support will facilitate the purchase of sports equipment, the acquisition of bunk beds and mattresses for the Athletes’ Village, as well as assistance for festivals, ceremonies and community engagement projects. This funding will create a meaningful experience for participants and will leave PEI stronger for having hosted the Games.”
- Wayne Carew & Brian McFeely, Board Co-Chairs, 2023 Canada Games Host Society
“We are excited to partner with the 2023 Canada Winter Games and are grateful to the Government of Canada—through ACOA—for their support. This federal investment will ensure the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre is ready for the Games and meets the needs of our community for years to come."
- Ms. Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance, University of Prince Edward Island
Quick facts
• The Canada Games brings together more than 2,000 able-bodied athletes, as well as athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities, for the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. The Games alternate between winter and summer athletics, and span over 30 different activities to showcase the very best in Canadian sport and spirit.
• The Games are held under the stewardship of the Canada Games Council.
• The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity: adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines; building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions.
Associated links
• PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games
• Canada Community Revitalization Fund in Atlantic Canada
• Innovative Communities Fund (ICF)
