16 October 2009
St. Andrews, New Brunswick
The Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) is proceeding with the development of a 20,000 square-foot Discovery Centre to replace its existing aquarium, thanks to investments by the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick.
The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick today each announced commitments of $2.5 million for the Huntsman Marine Science Centre to develop a new Discovery Centre on its Lower Campus property.
“Our government’s first priority in these difficult economic times is to invest in projects that will make a real difference both today and for many years to come,” said Minister Thompson on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “Our commitment to invest more than $2.5 million in this important project at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre is a perfect example of how we can help to provide important construction jobs, increase full-time permanent employment opportunities at the facility and promote future economic activity in the region by attracting greater numbers of tourists to the area year round.”
“The Province of New Brunswick is proud to be a major partner in this important project for St. Andrews and Charlotte County,” said Premier Graham. “Investing in this important tourism and educational project will create another opportunity for residents and visitors to experience.”
The new Discovery Centre will replace the existing aquarium complex and will include a self-guided orientation centre, a multiplex aquarium facility, a conference and lecture centre with live video-conference capabilities and a renewable energy exhibit.
“We are extremely pleased with the commitment of the federal and provincial governments to make the development of the new Discovery Centre a reality. This completes the final phase of our $20 million capital renewal campaign,” said HMSC Executive Director Bill Robertson. “The Marine Science Centre celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009 and with this funding announcement we look forward to continued growth and success over the next 40 years.”
The new centre will house renewed teaching and lecturing facilities and become a four-season tourist destination that complements other initiatives currently underway in the Charlotte County area. The Discovery Centre will offer improved education programs to elementary school students in New Brunswick and improve research capabilities for universities and research organizations that partner with HMSC.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is contributing $2.5 million toward the project through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided a total of $1 billion over two years for CAF to support initiatives which help create and maintain jobs in communities impacted by the economic downturn. Atlantic Canada’s allocation of $100 million under CAF is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
The Province of New Brunswick is providing a $2.5 million non repayable contribution and the Huntsman Marine Science Centre is putting $3 million toward its project valued at over $8 million.
For more information regarding the CAF application process, please consult ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, today announced a joint commitment to invest a total of $5 million to help the Huntsman Marine Science Centre develop a new 20,000 square-foot Discovery Centre.
The Centre will replace the existing aquarium complex and include a multiplex aquarium facility, self-guided orientation centre, a conference and lecture centre, and a renewable energy exhibit. These investments will allow the Centre to offer year-round activities to tourists and residents alike, while at the same stimulating the local economy through the provision of important construction employment opportunities and more full-time jobs at the facility.
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INFORMATION:
Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Bruce Macfarlane
Corporate Secretary
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
Peta Fussell
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3304
