Construction Underway for the Jean-Daigle Centre Community Amphitheatre

News Release

September 12, 2016 – Edmundston, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Residents, volunteers and various community stakeholders gathered today at the construction site of the newly named Jean-Daigle Centre, Edmundston’s new community amphitheatre, to celebrate an important project milestone.

René Arseneault, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Francine Landry, Minister of Economic Development, joined Edmundston Mayor Cyrille Simard and members of the amphitheatre committee for the sod-turning and naming ceremony to officially mark the beginning of construction on the $21 million facility.

Once completed, the 91,299 square foot multifunctional amphitheatre will include permanent seating for 2,400 people and space to accommodate an additional 1,300 people. The Jean-Daige Centre will help enhance Edmundston’s position as a trade show, cultural and sporting events destination of choice in northern New Brunswick. The increased capacity to host major events and festivals is expected to generate substantial benefits for the City and the business community.

Quotes:

“The Government of Canada is committed to building prosperous communities by supporting essential community infrastructure projects to help create jobs, strengthen the middle class and grow the Atlantic Canadian economy. This community amphitheatre project will do just that by attracting more events to the Edmundston area, increasing the number of tourism opportunities for the region and generating economic growth.”

-   The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“This significant undertaking is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when community leaders work in partnership with governments on strategic projects to help build strong, sustainable communities and contribute to the quality of life of the families who live here.”

-   René Arseneault, MP for Madawaska – Restigouche  

“We know how important economic growth and job creation is to New Brunswickers. We are getting things done with investments like this which will spur economic growth and create jobs right here in the northwest.”

-   The Honourable Francine Landry, Minister of Economic Development

“This project is the outcome of sustained efforts by an entire community and dedicated leaders. The Centre Jean-Daigle, Amphithéâtre communautaire d’Edmundston, is named after the man who gave wings to the fundraising campaign by offering a major donation. This businessman has always had the project at heart and deserves full recognition. Thanks must also be given to all the collaborators, donors and the many volunteers who have been involved for many years.”

-   Cyrille Simard, Mayor, City of Edmundston

Quick Facts:

• Site work for the project has begun next to the Sports Pavilion at the heart of the Édupôle complex, near the Université de Moncton’s Edmundston campus, the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick Edmundston campus, and the Cité des jeunes A.-M.-Sormany high school.
• The City of Edmundston is well known for successfully hosting major events, sporting activities and festivals, including the World Acadian Congress and, the Foire Brayonne and the Edmundston Jazz and Blues Festival.
• In July 2015, the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick each announced investments of up to $7 million towards this community amphitheatre project.
• The City of Edmundston will also be investing $7 million towards the project through a major fundraising campaign, a municipal loan and proceeds from the sale of the old Forum.

Associated Links:

• http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/Pages/welcome-bienvenue.aspx
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• http://www.edmundston/en/

Contacts:

Lisa Gautreau
Acting Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-471-1565 

Bruce MacFarlane
Regional Development Corporation
Communications
506-453-1376

Mychèle Poitras
Communications
City of Edmundston
506-737-6799

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