New Summerside learning centre gets $800K from ACOA

A regional community learning centre being constructed by the Rotary Club of Summerside will receive nearly $800,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's innovative communities fund.

The Rotary Club is renovating part of the former post office building on Central Street. The facility will include a library, multi-purpose meeting rooms, work stations and community space for business and entrepreneurial development and lifelong learning.

Egmont MP Gail Shea announced the funding Monday on behalf of ACOA Minister Rob Moore.

"It will help to facilitate economic growth and long-term prosperity for Summerside, and promote lifelong learning for local residents," said Shea in a news release.

The Rotary Club is contributing $450,000 toward the facility's construction. The club is currently in the process of acquiring the building, which is now owned by Public Works and Government Services Canada.

"This space will provide an excellent venue for an expanded Regional Library, programming, and supports for literacy, numeracy, e-learning, entrepreneurial education and a host of other needs not currently being met in a satisfactory way," said Georgia Ellis, Rotary Club of Summerside president.