St. Stephen, New Brunswick, August 30, 2013 – Residents in St. Stephen are eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the new Garcelon Civic Center, as it will provide them more opportunities to get fit and stay active while strengthening the local economy. John Williamson, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest; David Alward, Premier of New Brunswick; and John Quartermain, Mayor of St. Stephen, gathered today to witness progress on the facility's construction.
The Garcelon Civic Center, which will be used to host a variety of events such as meetings, seminars, training and sporting events, as well as cultural and tourism festivals, will include multi-purpose rooms, a reception area, a full-sized ice surface, a walking and jogging track, a 25-metre training pool, and a leisure/therapeutic swimming pool.
"Our government recognizes the significance of supporting community infrastructure that offers countless opportunities for residents and visitors to access important community and business services, and improve the quality of life in the community,"
said MP Williamson, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). "We are proud to invest in significant infrastructure projects like the Garcelon Civic Center, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities here in New Brunswick, and across Canada."
"Creating opportunities for healthy living and employment are important parts of our government's plan to rebuild New Brunswick,"
said Premier Alward. "This project is the result of a strong partnership between all level of governments and the great people of this region to build the economy and enhance the quality of life for families and residents in St. Stephen and in communities throughout Charlotte County."
"We are proud of the Garcelon Civic Center,"
said Mayor Quartermain. "This civic centre will provide a focal point in our downtown core that will be the centerpiece of our community. The residents of St. Stephen and Region 10 as well as our neighbours in Calais and Washington County will be able to enjoy all of the various venues this facility will offer. The possibilities for use of this facility are endless. Whether visiting for a skate in the rink, a swim in one of the pools, exercise in the fitness facility, walk around the rink on the walking track, use one of the meeting rooms, attend a concert, show, community event, or just come to have a cup of coffee and socialize, there will be something for everyone in this all inclusive facility. The Garcelon Civic Center will provide a venue to develop a health and wellness and inclusive living environment that will benefit our region socially as well as economically."
The total project cost is estimated at $19.6 million, with the Government of Canada providing up to $8.2 million through Infrastructure Canada under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund and through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency under the Innovative Communities Fund. The Government of New Brunswick is providing $6.2 million to the project, with the Town of St. Stephen contributing $5.2 million.
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 965,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will support Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up to date with Web feeds, visit Infrastructure Canada or follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng.
For further information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Contacts:
Marie-Josée Paquette (Disponible en français)
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3687
Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Economic Development
506-453-8607
John Quartermain
Mayor
Town of St. Stephen
506-466-7728
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
