December 20, 2004 New Maryland , New Brunswick The Village of New Maryland is transforming its community centre into a tourism focal point. The multi-faceted New Maryland Centre will be an excellent facility for the community as well as a visitor information centre for travelers identified by signage along the Trans Canada highway. The Centre will provide the added benefit of supporting local businesses through increased tourism opportunities. "The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects like the New Maryland Centre. With the creation of this Centre, your community is not only a wonderful place to live, it's also a great place to visit and to do business," said the Honourable Andy Scott, MP for the riding of Fredericton. "Congratulations to Mayor Dunn and to the Village of New Maryland for taking on this important project as New Maryland continues to grow and expand its economic opportunities." Initiatives such as this will have a positive impact on businesses and will attract more visitors and encourage them to extend their stay in the community. "This is wonderful news for the Village of New Maryland and surrounding areas," said Mayor Frank Dunn. "This state-of- the-art facility will become the heart of our community. It will attract tourists to our area and it will become a focal point for all non-profit groups, such as the new Multi-cultural Association. The new Centre will offer visitor information displays, canteen and washroom facilities, picnic and playground areas, wheel chair accessibility, conference rooms and walking trails, in addition to providing displays for the sale of local products and a look at the recent history of the municipality and the region. The Honourable Andy Scott, on behalf of the Honorable Joseph McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada's Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced total federal funding of $934,262 under the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). The Village of New Maryland is contributing $153,191 in support of this venture. SCIF was created to support strategic initiatives that contribute to community economic development in Atlantic Canada. Its purpose is to help communities create opportunities for economic development that will attract investment and stimulate employment. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership initiative of ACOA. For more information on ACOA's programs, please visit our Web site atwww.acoa-apeca.gc.ca. - 30 - Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Mayor Frank Dunn Village of New Maryland (506) 451-8508 Carolyn Grey Communications Officer Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ¿ New Brunswick (506) 444-6144
