19 August 2009
Saint John, New Brunswick
The Canada Games Stadium at UNB Saint John will receive a much-anticipated upgrade, thanks to a funding commitment of $1.4 million from the federal government. Saint John MP Rodney Weston joined Saint John Mayor Ivan Court to make the announcement, which will help position the City of Saint John as a New Brunswick sports tourism destination.
"The Government of Canada, through the Economic Action Plan, is taking steps to stimulate the economies of communities that have been affected by the economic slowdown," said MP Weston, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “Our investment of $1.4 million in the Canada Games Stadium will help the City of Saint John and the University of New Brunswick to complete the work needed to attract large international sporting events, and will create employment in the construction in industry.”
The project involves resurfacing the 400-metre, eight-lane track; installing an infield synthetic turf; creating an area for activities such as javelin and hammer throw; renovating the stadium and grand stands; installing infield lighting, a scoreboard, security lighting and perimeter fencing; and constructing a building for storage.
“This is a wonderful announcement for the city and our region,” said His Worship Mayor Ivan Court. “These funds will breathe new life into the Canada Games Stadium and provide Southern New Brunswick with a world class venue which will serve our community for generations. In addition to promoting health and wellness in our community, we will have an opportunity to attract international events to the city.”
"I am very pleased to play a role in this announcement today," said Robert MacKinnon, Vice-President of the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. "Not only will the refurbishment of the Canada Games Stadium enhance the student experience at UNB Saint John, it will provide an important recreation resource for the community of Saint John, and the surrounding communities."
The Government of Canada funding is being provided under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, while the City of Saint John is also contributing $1.4 million, and UNB Saint John is investing $800,000.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion over two years for the CAF, which will help create jobs and maintain employment in affected communities. In Atlantic Canada, CAF is delivered by ACOA. For more information regarding the CAF application process, community criteria, and timelines visit ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
The Canada Games Stadium at UNB Saint John will receive a much-anticipated upgrade, thanks to a funding commitment of $1.4 million from the federal government. Saint John MP Rodney Weston joined Saint John Mayor Ivan Court to make the announcement, which will help position the City of Saint John as a New Brunswick sports tourism destination.
The Government’s contribution is under the Community Adjustment Fund, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The City of Saint John is also providing $1.4 million toward this project, while UNB Saint John is providing $800,000.
Erin Filliter
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Sharon Stanford-Rutter
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-451-2677
Leah Fitzgerald
Communications Officer
City of Saint John
506-648-3714
Sandra Howland
Communications, UNB
506-458-7968
