Tyne Valley-Linkletter MLA Paula Biggar, from left, and Roy Newcombe, secretary of the Northam Community Centre Committee look on as members of the Tyne Valley Rural Community Fire Company, Kyle Hardy, center, and Ernest Newcombe, explain the workings of fire fighters’ breathing apparatus to Ron MacKinley, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development. MacKinley presented Island Community Fund contributions of $23,750 to the fire company and $12,068 to the community centre during a visit Monday to the Tyne Valley Fire Hall.
The neighbouring Prince County communities of Tyne Valley and Northam are receiving support from the Island Community Fund.
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley has announced funding of $12,068 for renovations to the Northam Community Centre to help increase rental revenues and create efficiencies within the centre.
He also announced that $23,750 has been approved to upgrade equipment for the newly incorporated Tyne Valley Rural Community Fire Company.
“Community organizations and volunteers are the backbone of rural communities,” said MacKinley in announcing the $66,855 in funding.
Ernest Newcombe, equipment officer for the fire company, thanked government for the funding which will be used to purchase turn our gear and breathing apparatus.
“This volunteer service requires a large commitment, and yet we have been very fortunate with positive responses when looking for new firemen,” said Newcombe. “We have a very good mixture of both young and old and some with over 30 years’ experience. This new equipment will keep our front-line firemen protected.”
Since 2009, the Island Community Fund has invested close to $20 million to support more than 400 projects in rural Prince Edward Island, with a total project value of $67 million.
