Fredericton, New Brunswick, June 4, 2010 - The Government of Canada today joined with the province of New Brunswick, City of Fredericton and Fredericton YMCA to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new 60,000 square foot Fredericton YMCA facility. The new facility will include a wellness centre, gymnasium, squash courts, community rooms, a child development centre, and a 25 metre lap pool plus an instructional, warm water pool.
Participating in the event was Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird, along with the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Rick Miles, Minister of Environment, the Honourable Greg Byrne, Minister of Finance, and his Worship Brad Woodside, Mayor of Fredericton, as well as Kathy Russell, CEO of the Fredericton YMCA.
"Here in Fredericton, and across the province, the Government of Canada is helping to create jobs and support the economy during the second and final year of Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Minister Baird. "By investing in important community projects - such as the new Fredericton YMCA facility - we are supporting workers and families today and for years to come."
"Today's event marks another very important step forward for the Fredericton YMCA, which the Government of Canada has provided more than $5 million to build," said Minister Ashfield. "Investing in recreation facilities and local infrastructure like the YMCA ensures that Fredericton has vibrant community buildings for the city's residents to enjoy."
"The Fredericton YMCA plays a key role in the capital region," said Miles. "It offers a variety of programs for all ages, which supports our government's commitment to promote wellness, active living, quality of life and self-sufficiency."
"Today's event is another important milestone for this important community infrastructure project for Fredericton," said Byrne. "The economic, social and community benefits of this project will be felt immediately, and for many years to come."
"Breaking ground is exciting for our federal, provincial and municipal partners, our community investors, and everyone who is looking forward to Your New Y," said Kathy Russell, CEO. "The substantial investment of all three levels of government in 2009 put us on the fast track to open in Spring 2011. This is another great milestone in the 152 year history of our Y."
"The City of Fredericton is a proud financial supporter of the new Fredericton YMCA," said Mayor Woodside. "This new facility will enable the YMCA to strengthen its commitment towards the health of our children, our families and our community."
Funding for this facility was originally announced on September 10, 2009 with the Government of Canada providing up to $5.275 million towards the project from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The YMCA will finance the remaining costs of the project. The total eligible cost of the project is $15.8 million. The Province of New Brunswick has sold a 6.5 acre parcel of land, valued at $2.5 million, for $1 to the YMCA for the project.
Since the original announcement, Fredericton City Council has added a new grant for the YMCA for the City's contribution to their new capital campaign. This will result in $50,000 per year for the next 5 years for a total of $250,000 for the YMCA.
The federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Fund targets construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011.
Canada and New Brunswick are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant funding contributions that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities in New Brunswick.
For more information, please visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Contacts:
James Kusie
Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Marie-Josée Groulx
Communications New Brunswick
506-444-3465
