Province announces details of Rural Growth Initiative

Rural Prince Edward Island communities can now access funding to grow their population and economy.

The province’s third consecutive balanced budget for 2018-19 provides nearly $2.5 million to promote the growth, prosperity and resiliency of rural communities. Details were announced today in the Legislative Assembly by Rural and Regional Development Minister Pat Murphy.

“Rural Islanders are innovative, ambitious and hard working and help make Prince Edward Island the Mighty Island,” Minister Murphy said. “This initiative addresses the regional economic advisory councils’ recommendations for focused action plans to grow our rural population and it underscores the government’s commitment to encourage economic growth and prosperity in every part of Prince Edward Island.”

Funding will be provided for projects related to the economy, population, community and growth:

• the Inclusive Communities Program will fund local communities for activities that foster a culture of inclusiveness for newcomers and support population retention rates;
• the Economic Growth Program will support projects to encourage entrepreneurship and help implement  strategic economic development plans;
• the Community Capacity Building program will fund organizations to develop strategic and organizational plans that help them solve complex problems; and
• the Community Revitalization program will fund non-profit and municipal organizations for strategic investments in infrastructure.

The 2017 Throne Speech reaffirmed government’s commitment to building strong communities throughout the province, providing needed infrastructure and supports to allow for local leadership to drive growth and development.

For more information, visit Rural Economic Development

Media contact:
Wayne MacKinnon
wemackinnon@gov.pe.ca