8 August 2011
REXTON, New Brunswick
Today, representatives of the federal, provincial and municipal governments participated in the reopening of the Rexton Recreational Centre, a facility that will benefit community residents for years to come.
"Recreational infrastructure is vital to the health of a community, as these facilities help tie a community together," said Miramichi MP Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, who attended the event on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. "Our government's investment of more than $100,000 in this project has helped the Village of Rexton to renovate and improve a valuable community recreation centre that is used by families and individuals throughout the Rexton area."
"Ensuring our regions have recreational infrastructure is important as we encourage our residents to become more physically active," said the Hon. Claude Williams, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on behalf of Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud. "The provincial government is proud to have played a major part in this important recreational infrastructure project for Rexton and the region."
The recreational facility has been upgraded and expanded. Work on the Centre included the installation of a new heating and cooling system and repairs to the roof. The facility has an indoor curling rink and an outdoor rink. In the summer, the facilities will be used for youth recreation ball and community celebrations.
"I would like to thank the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick for their valuable contributions toward the expansion of our Sports and Recreation Center, including the replacement of our outdoor skating rink," said his Worship David Hanson, Mayor of the Village of Rexton. "This Sports and Recreation Center is a very important component not only for Rexton but all of Kent County, in allowing people of all ages, from youth to seniors, to participate in activities that promote their health and social well being."
The Government of Canada supported the renovations to the centre with an investment of $102,500 through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Government of New Brunswick, through the Regional Development Corporation, contributed $610,000 to the project, and the Village of Rexton contributed $100,000.
For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA USE:
Today, Miramichi MP Tilly O'Neill-Gordon joined the Honourable Claude Williams, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Mayor David Hanson from the Village of Rexton to formally reopen the Village of Rexton's upgraded recreational facility.
This improved facility has been upgraded and expanded, thanks to investments by all three levels of government.
The Government of Canada invested $102,500 in the project through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program. The Province of New Brunswick contributed $610,000 and the Village of Rexton, $100,000.
INFORMATION:
Lisa Gautreau, Acting Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3987
lisa.gautreau@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Bruce Macfarlane
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
Barry Glencross, General Manager
Village of Rexton
506-523-7393