St. Stephen, New Brunswick - Chocolate lovers are in for a treat this summer, with the grand opening of the new Chocolate Discovery Centre, an exciting expansion to the popular Chocolate Museum. Government representatives joined with St. Stephen residents today to celebrate a grand re-opening of the newly expanded facility.
"The Government of Canada is committed to investing in projects such as this expansion, which will advance long- term economic opportunities in this community," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). "Our investment of more than $410,000 in this project has helped the Chocolate Museum to expand, increasing its capacity for visitors and giving these visitors the opportunity to see first-hand how hand- crafted chocolates are produced."
"New Brunswick is known for its world-class cultural activities and fascinating historic sites and museums," said Hon. Rick Doucet, Minister of Fisheries. "The Province of New Brunswick is proud to invest in this important tourism and cultural project for St. Stephen and Charlotte County which will create another opportunity for tourists and visitors to experience."
"This major reinterpretation and significant expansion provides a unique state-of-the-art tourist attraction in the heart of downtown St. Stephen. Its 38 exhibits celebrate the wonder of chocolate and also tell one of our province's most important business success stories, that of Ganong Bros. Limited," said Maria Kulcher, Chair of the Museum's Operating Committee. "We are delighted and very honoured to have representatives from the four funding partners here to help us celebrate our Grand Re-Opening today, as well as our 10th Anniversary this month."
The project involved expanding the Chocolate Museum to incorporate the fine art of chocolate making year round and increase the number of visitors at one time, including border traffic, tour buses and school visits. This expansion will give the Chocolate Museum, a not-for-profit organization co-owned by the Town of St. Stephen and Ganong Bros. Limited., more flexibility and space for school, tour bus and group visits which are expected to more than double by 2010. The Government of Canada invested $411,216 in the project through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund, while the Province of New Brunswick has contributed $200,000 through the Regional Development Corporation and the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport.
The Town of St. Stephen invested $152,429 through loan guarantees while Ganong Bros. invested $112,200 (in kind) for a total project valued at $875,845.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Chocolate lovers are in for a treat this summer with the expansion of the Chocolate Museum and addition of the Chocolate Discovery Centre in St. Stephen. Government representatives and residents of the Town of St. Stephen gathered today to celebrate the expansion.
With the expansion, the Museum will be able to increase the number of visitors at one time, as well as allow visitors to see first-hand the fine art of chocolate making. The federal government invested over $410,000 in this project through ACOA, while the province of New Brunswick invested $200,000.
Sharon Stanford-Rutter
Senior Communications Advisor
ACOA NB
506-451-2677
Bruce MacFarlane
Corporate Secretary
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
Maria Kulcher
Chairperson of the Chocolate Museum Operating Committee
506-466-5416
