MONCTON (CNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing in the addition of a gymnasium to the Crossman Community Centre / Kay Arena.
The announcement was made by Premier Shawn Graham and National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
“Our government is pleased to be investing in this important recreational project for Moncton,” said Graham. “Ensuring that we have good recreational facilities will help improve the quality of life for city and area residents, strengthen our communities, and help us keep more of our young people home.”
The two governments are investing a total of more than $2 million. The provincial government is contributing $1.5 million, while the federal government is providing $502,000 through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The City of Moncton will contribute $1million.
"Our government's investment in the upgrades to upgrade the Crossman Community Centre / Kay Arena will generate additional local economic activity, support local jobs and ensure residents continue to have access to valuable community infrastructure for years to come,” said Ashfield.
Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for RInC to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities across the country. Projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and they must be completed before March 31, 2011. RInC is delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA.
“The City of Moncton is proud of the Crossman Community Centre / Kay Arena,” said Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault. “It is an example of a community-driven project that will serve the residents of Ward 1 and other areas of the city. The centre, which is very much a part of the late councillor Norman Crossman’s legacy, is a model for other wards in our city and communities in New Brunswick.”