Province celebrates and invests in community organizations
Today, Minister for Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism Ernie Hudson wrapped up a week of community celebrations in which he recognized community organizations, commended volunteers, and highlighted investments made through the Rural Growth Initiative (RGI).
"Strong communities are built by people who step up, volunteer, and work together to make life better for their neighbours. Through the Rural Growth Initiative, we are helping local organizations strengthen the places where Islanders gather, learn, stay active, and support one another. These investments are making a real difference in communities across Prince Edward Island, helping them remain vibrant, resilient, and strong for generations to come."
- Premier Rob Lantz.
This fiscal year, $6.8 million has been invested in 85 projects around the province, including BGC Montague, supporting the creation of a youth centre that will provide youth programming, leadership development, recreation, and food security supports; the facility upgrades to the West Prince Curling Club, enabling them to host national and regional championships which attract visitors and generate economic activity; and the New Glasgow Rural Community Fire Company Purchasing new bunker gear and portable radios to improve firefighter safety and emergency response capacity.
"The strength of rural Prince Edward Island has always come from the people. Through the Rural Growth Initiative, we are supporting local organizations that provide gathering spaces, recreational opportunities, tourism experiences, emergency services, and community programs that improve the quality of life for those rural Islanders," said Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism Ernie Hudson. "These projects reflect the dedication of volunteers and community leaders who continue to invest their time and energy into creating vibrant, inclusive and resilient communities."
RGI supports municipalities and non-profit organizations in delivering community infrastructure and capacity-building projects, including upgrades to community spaces, fire halls, and initiatives that strengthen local services and amenities across rural Prince Edward Island. Since 2019, the Government of Prince Edward Island has invested more than $45.6 million on 878 projects across the three counties through RGI.
More information about the Rural Growth Initiative can be found on the provincial website.
Backgrounder
Partial list of RGI funded projects for fiscal year 2026-2027:
New Glasgow Rural Community Fire Company: New bunker gear and portable radios to strengthen firefighter safety and emergency response capacity.
Rural Growth Initiative (RGI): $75,000
North Rustico Lions Club: Building expansion and facility improvements to increase capacity for community programming and emergency reception services.
RGI: $225,000
Rustico Bay Seniors Club: Accessible kitchen and outdoor space improvements to enhance programming and social opportunities for seniors and residents.
RGI: $67,743
New London Community Complex: Facility improvements including heat pumps, flooring, kitchen equipment, signage, security systems, and exterior drainage upgrades.
RGI: $79,940
Hunter River Lions Club: Facility expansion with a larger commercial kitchen, accessible washroom, and barrier-free entrance.
RGI: $225,000
East Prince Quad Trax ATV Club Inc.: Trail, bridge, drainage, and signage improvements to enhance safety and recreational access across the trail network.
RGI: $71,883
Stanley Bridge Memorial Society Inc.: Restoration of a deteriorating heritage building window to preserve a valued community and cultural asset.
RGI: $863
Kensington Area Snowmobile Association: Trail maintenance and signage upgrades to improve safety and the snowmobiling experience.
RGI: $36,000
International Children's Memorial Place: New steps, decks, ramps, and commemorative signage to improve accessibility and support community healing, education, and remembrance programs.
RGI: $12,450
PEI Firefighters Association: Fire simulator replacement
RGI: $1.3 million over 2 years
West Prince Curling Club: Upgrading spectator and gathering areas to improve safety and prepare the facility to host national and regional curling championships.
RGI funding: $28,013
Tignish ATV Sportsmen Riders Inc: Enhancing and expanding year-round ATV trail infrastructure to strengthen connections within PEI's province-wide trail network
RGI funding: $75,000
Tyne Valley Rural Fire Company: Purchasing a new Hurst Jaws of Life rescue system to improve emergency response and vehicle extrication capabilities.
RGI funding: $30,606
Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 6 – Tignish: Renovating and expanding kitchen facilities and upgrading the exterior to increase capacity for community events and programming.
RGI funding: $187,500
PEI Shellfish Association: Upgrading the Shellfish Museum with new equipment and amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
RGI funding: $2,625
West Country Historical Society – Bideford Parsonage Museum: Completing restoration work to preserve the historic museum building and protect it from further deterioration
RGI funding: $29,563
Elmsdale Community Centre Inc: Replacing windows and adding storage and equipment upgrades to improve functionality and support increased community use
RGI funding: $16,935
Rural Municipality of Miminegash – Fire Department: Acquiring a new rescue tool and replacing aging firefighter protective equipment to strengthen emergency response capacity.
RGI funding: $23,837
O’Leary Community Sports Centre: Upgrading dressing room shower facilities and arena maintenance equipment to improve operations and user experience.
RGI funding: $28,050
The West Point Development Corporation: Enhancing tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences through facility upgrades, interactive exhibits, and digital improvements at the Lighthouse Inn, Museum, and Harbourside Centre
RGI funding: $91,500
Souris Show Hall Foundation Ltd.: Upgrading the Souris Show Hall with a new roof, seating, signage, murals, exterior improvements and sound booth upgrades to support year-round cultural programming.
RGI: $90,000
Central Kings Rural Fire Company: Replacing firefighter protective equipment and renovating the community hall that serves as an event space and reception centre.
RGI: $75,000
St. Teresa and Area Development Corporation: Expanding and modernizing the community centre through accessibility, energy-efficiency, and facility upgrades.
RGI: $249,000
St. Peter’s and Area Development Corporation: Improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of St. Peters Landing through heat pumps, windows, doors and electrical upgrades.
RGI: $83,095
Rural Municipality of St. Peter’s: Upgrading the Dr. Roddie Community Centre and enhancing fire department communications and equipment.
RGI: $51,000
BGC Montague: Establishing a youth centre in Montague that provides safe after-school programming, leadership development, recreation and food supports.
RGI: $158,962
Eastern Kings ATV Club: Enhancing and expanding trail infrastructure between Murray River and Montague to improve connectivity, safety and tourism opportunities.
RGI: $31,000
Media contact:
Janice Fogarty
Department of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism
[email protected]