Infrastructure improvements will help City capitalize on future sports tourism opportunities.
June 29, 2015 – Miramichi, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Chatham Ironmen Ball Park and the Waldo Henderson Field will be getting the upgrades they need to host the 2015 Senior Men National Baseball Championship Tournament in August, thanks to investments from the federal and provincial governments.
Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture and Minister responsible for the Northern and Miramichi Funds, joined Miramichi Mayor Gerry Cormier to make the announcement today.
Upgrades to the Chatham Ironmen Ball Park include the installation of a new scoreboard, clubhouse windows and new and improved bleachers. The Waldo Henderson Field will also get a new scoreboard in addition to upgrades to its fencing, foul poles and sewerage system. The improvements to the fields will enable the City to offer better services and improve the spectator and participant experience.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is contributing $93,760 towards the project while the Province of New Brunswick is contributing $114,000. The City of Miramichi is investing $23,000.
Quick Facts:
- The 2015 Canadian Senior Men National Baseball Championship Tournament, which takes place August 20-24, attracts teams and spectators from across Canada. The City will be welcoming teams with a social and a homerun derby on August 19th.
- The host field for the tournament, the Chatham Ironmen Baseball Field, is home to the Chatham Senior Ironmen of the New Brunswick Senior Baseball League, which is the highest level of amateur baseball played in New Brunswick.
- In October 2014, the City of Miramichi invested approximately $57,000 in a new outfield at the Waldo Henderson Field to prepare it as the secondary field for this event.
Quotes:
“Our Government is committed to modernizing community infrastructure to help develop prosperous communities and improve the quality of life for Canadian families. That is why we are pleased to support projects like this one that will help the City of Miramichi increase its capacity to pursue national and international sporting events, generating economic growth for this region.
- Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Our government’s investment will help Miramichi capitalize on future sports tourism opportunities that stimulate the local economy. We are proud to work with all three levels of government to carry out this important recreational infrastructure project in the City of Miramichi.”
- The Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture and Minister responsible for the Northern and Miramichi Funds
“The City is extremely pleased the federal and provincial governments have chosen to partner with the City of Miramichi on this initiative. These improvements to our recreation facilities will not only allow us to host a First class national event but will also leave a lasting legacy for the youth in our community. We appreciate the support from both levels of Government.”
- Gerry Cormier, Mayor, City of Miramichi
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Lisa Gautreau
Acting Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-471-1565
Bruce Macfarlane
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4583
Paul McGraw
Marketing Consultant
City of Miramichi
506-623-8264
