Clyde River

Left to right are Community Services and Seniors Minister and MLA for the area, Hon. Valerie Docherty; Doug Gillespie, Chair of the Clyde River Community Council; Emily Bryant, member of Clyde River Womens Institute; and Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Hon. Ron MacKinley. Picture was taken by Brian Simpson, Provincial Photographer.

An open house was held recently to acknowledge the funders of the 2011 renovations to the Riverview Community Centre. The Skills PEI crew finished their work just before Christmas 2011 and in the past few weeks, many people from the community have seen and raved about the impressive changes. The community of Clyde River gratefully acknowledges the funding provided by the Provincial Government under the Island Community Fund program as well as the Federal Provincial Market Agreement that operates Skills PEI. The Central Development Agency was also an important partner in this renovation.

The following is the press release as published by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development,PEI Government and appeared in The Guardian on Saturday February 4, 2012.

“Provincial funding to renovate the Riverview Community Centre in Clyde River will ensure the building will continue to meet the needs as the meeting place for seniors, families and youth,” says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley.

“The Clyde River Community Centre is an important part of the community history. The building dates back to 1843 when it was the local school,” said Minister MacKinley. “It is still the place where people gather for family events, community socials and youth programs. Government was pleased to contribute funds to keep the building well maintained so it can continue to meet the needs of residents.” Renovations were carried out to modernize the kitchen and improve the entrance to the building. Renovations to the basement and the addition of insulation will improve the space for all community groups who use the facility.

The total cost of the project was $77,000. The Island Community Fund contributed $36,000 to the project. Skills PEI provided $33,000 and the Clyde River Women’s Institute and the Clyde River Community Council made a contribution of $8,000. “Through this project, we are breathing new life into a community landmark, while giving Islanders a chance to build skills and enter new careers,” said Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allen Roach. “That’s a win-win situation for the workers and for the people of the Clyde River area.”