Sport Facility Upgrades at Université Sainte-Anne to Benefit Community

Government of Canada Invests in Infrastructure Improvements at Church Point Campus

January 23, 2017 – Church Point, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, today announced a $500,000 non-repayable contribution through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), to support Université Sainte-Anne as it upgrades several recreational facilities at its Church Point campus. MP Fraser made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. Université Sainte-Anne is providing $500,000 in additional support for the project.

The university’s sport facilities are used widely by students, faculty, local residents and visitors. Its sport centre is recognized as a recreational hub, hosting social and sporting events like the Festival acadien de Clare, Special Olympics and local and provincial tournaments. Upgrades to the facilities are needed to continue to provide a safe, high-quality user experience.

The ICF contribution will enable efficiency, infrastructure and equipment upgrades to the university’s outdoor tennis and basketball courts, pool area, weight room, gymnasium mezzanine and change rooms. The upgraded facilities will enhance the university and community’s ability to attract and retain students, residents and visitors, while increasing capacity to host social and sporting events, drawing new audiences to the region.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support Université Sainte-Anne as it upgrades its recreational infrastructure—a significant asset within the community it serves. Investing in community infrastructure strengthens the middle class by supplying communities with a foundation for a high standard of living. It also creates opportunities for economic growth, by reinforcing assets that draw visitation and investment, building strong, sustainable communities.”

     - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Université Sainte-Anne is an important contributor to local economic growth and is engaged in projects with a focus on sustainable community economic development. The university is a focal point for the province’s francophone communities and contributes to Nova Scotia's cultural and linguistic diversity. This project will improve the quality of the university's recreational amenities, enhancing them for events and community recreational use.”

     - Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova

“Students, staff and members of the community will benefit from the project. It is yet another service focussed on well-being that Sainte-Anne can offer to help boost the vitality of remote areas and minority communities.”

     - Allister Surette, President and Vice-Chancellor, Université Sainte-Anne

Associated Links

• Université Sainte-Anne Website
• Université Sainte-Anne on Facebook
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• Innovative Communities Fund

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: Alex.Smith@canada.ca

Allister Surette
President and Vice-Chancellor
Université Sainte-Anne
Phone: 902-769-2114 x7300 / 902-769-7494 (cell)
E-mail: Allister.Surette@usainteanne.ca