ELMSDALE – New energy efficient furnaces and an updated control system for better heat distribution should help Tignish Legion save money on its heating costs while doing a better job of keeping patrons comfortable.
The cost-saving equipment was installed, in part, with federal and provincial contributions totalling $21,843.
The Government of Canada, through its Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, contributed $12,135 to the project while the P.E.I. government, through the Island Community Fund, provided $9,708.
The Tignish Legion project was one of five joint-funded projects in western P.E.I. announced Friday in Elmsdale by Egmont MP and Minister of National Revenue Gail Shea and P.E.I. Tourism Minister Robert Henderson.
The funding announcement was made at Elmsdale Community Centre where an open house was being held to show off the improvements to the centre which included a new stage and sound system, new kitchen equipment, new lighting, a central vacuum system, painting, new flooring and some landscaping.
Total funding for the Elmsdale project was $22,500 with $12,500 of that coming from the federal government. Total investment in the five projects was $80,285 from the federal government and $62,293 from the provincial government.
“Our government has identified infrastructure improvements as a key part of the plan to create jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity for Canadians,” said Shea. “The investments in these projects are boosting rural economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for surrounding residents.”
Other halls receiving support were the Alberton Historical Preservation Foundation’s Alberton Arts and Heritage Centre, $31,500; St. Louis Community Centre, $58,885; and the O’Leary and Area Development Corporation’s Future Tech West building, $11,850.
Henderson extended congratulations to the community groups for the work they put into their applications and moving forward on the improvement of their facilities.
“They all play an intrinsic role in making our communities what they are,” he said.
Robert Gaudet from the Tignish Legion board noted their hall is a focal point for Tignish and area with many social and community events held there. He said the heating system wasn’t working properly.
“Our first step was to get an audit done. That proved to be a real boon to us. From what they told us we would save, it is a real good thing that we did get money and we were able to finish the project.
“Everything seems to be working good, and hopefully we will get some savings and we will be environmentally friendly as much as we can,” Gaudet reported.
