Residents and visitors of Summerside are benefitting from new trails and walkways, better roads, upgrades to the heritage park, enhanced water and sewage services, and better protection to their shorelines, thanks to investments made under the Building Canada Fund and Build PEI. The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, Prince Edward Island Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, the Honourable Ron MacKinley, His Worship Basil Stewart, Mayor of Summerside and Mr. Ron Barrett, President of the Summerside Regional Development Corporation, recognized the completion of the projects today.

“Our Government is committed to creating jobs and boosting the economy, while making significant investments that help cities and communities improve their infrastructure,” said Minister Valcourt. “We are pleased to partner with our provincial and municipal counterparts on projects that benefit the residents of Summerside. These projects have improved trails and walkways, road infrastructure, parks, water and sewage services, and enhanced protection to their shorelines. They support the development of key business sectors like tourism and enhance the quality of life for all Islanders.”

The Government of Canada, under the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Government of Prince Edward Island, under Build PEI, and the City of Summerside invested more than $13 million in infrastructure improvements. The Summerside Regional Development Corporation also contributed more than $500,000 to the redesign and reconstruction of the Marina Seawall on the Summerside Waterfront.

“The work we’ve completed in Summerside will improve quality of life for residents and will enhance the City’s tourism product,” said Minister MacKinley. “The new trail systems give residents and visitors alike a beautiful venue that encourages physical activity and showcases the City’s waterfront. The province is pleased to have been an equal partner in all of these projects.”

The construction and installation of the west end walkway portion of the Baywalk Trail System is the final link in the trail network along the City’s waterfront. The trail now connects to the Heather Moyse Heritage Park trail system and the provincial Confederation Trail system. The park now has more trails, better lighting and beautiful gardens for everyone to enjoy. Other improvements include transportation rehabilitation to city streets, extension of sewer and water services, construction of sidewalks along major roadways and in school areas, the installation of underground piping for storm water control, and the installation of street furnishings, lighting and signage.

“On behalf of City Council, I would like to thank both the federal and provincial governments for their investment in our city,” said Mayor Stewart. “Along with enhancing our infrastructure, their support has created new recreation and leisure areas for the enjoyment of residents and visitors for many years to come."

In addition, an existing 1,100 foot seawall was replaced near the Summerside Yacht Club. A concrete form was placed on the outer side of the sheet steel to contain a concrete pour which enclosed the existing structure. The seawall will help prevent flooding and will protect the coastline from storm damage.

"The replacement of the Marina seawall removes a significant environmental threat for Summerside harbor and shores up land used by adjacent businesses," said Ron Barrett, President of Summerside Regional Development Corporation. "I especially want to thank the Federal and Provincial Governments as well as our private sector partners, Holland College and the Silver Fox Curling & Yacht Club. Through the generous support from these partners this project was completed."