January 12, 2005 Clair, New Brunswick Clair will soon have the capacity to organize events that foster the growth of its tourism sector thanks to the construction of a multipurpose centre. The announcement was made today by Village of Clair mayor, Mr. Ludger Lang, the MP for Madawaska-Restigouche, Jean-Claude D'Amours and Mr. Gaston Poitras of J.D. Irving, Limited. "The Government of Canada is proud to invest $850,000 from the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) for the construction of a multipurpose centre in Clair," announced MP D'Amours, speaking at a press conference on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The creation of this centre will enable Clair and surrounding communities to continue to grow and develop their economic potential. Tourism is an important sector for the economic growth of rural communities. Investing strategically in the infrastructure required to develop tourism opportunities is one way ACOA is working to build a strong economic base throughout New Brunswick." Clair is located in the centre of the Upper Madawaska region, which includes the communities of Saint François, Lac-Baker, Baker Brook and Saint-Hilaire. Its central location is ideal for holding various cultural and historical events, thereby bringing together surrounding communities and attracting visitors. "On behalf of the Clair municipal council and the citizens of the entire region, I would like to thank our invaluable financial partners like J.D. Irving, Limited and ACOA for their substantial investment in this multipurpose centre project that will benefit the entire community of Clair and surrounding areas," stated the mayor of Clair, Mr. Ludger Lang. "This project will enable us to better respond to the growing demand for cultural tourism products and attract a greater number of visitors to our community." "Over the past several years, our company has had the privilege of associating with quite a number of organizations that are helping improve the quality of life in communities across Atlantic Canada and the State of Maine," said Gaston Poitras, Vice-president of J.D. Irving, Limited. "It is therefore with great pleasure that I am announcing a $100,000 contribution for the construction of the Clair multipurpose centre." Until now, there has been no adequate infrastructure to develop such tourism economic opportunities in the region. Thanks to this $1.3 million project, a greater number of citizens and visitors will be able to participate in cultural and historical events organized in Clair all year long. Indeed, the new centre will have the capacity to accommodate over 600 people, whereas there is currently no facility in the region that can accommodate more than 300. Events that could be held in the new centre include such things as a summer festival, a regional farmer's and craft market, a flea market, summertime theatre and art exhibits. Joint cultural and tourism initiatives with the Town of Fort Kent, in Maine, located next door to Clair on the Canada-U.S. border, could also be mounted. These activities will help stimulate the local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to consume more products and services from local businesses. The 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 stimulate employment and attract investments. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership (AIP). - 30 - Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Stéphanie Bilodeau Senior Communications Officer ACOA NB (506) 452-3304 Pierre Michaud Municipal Councillor Village of Clair (506) 992-6030 Dennis Cuffley J.D. Irving, Limited (506) 992-9020
