News Release

CORMIER-VILLAGE (CNB) – A sod-turning today marked the start of construction of a
an eco-friendly community centre to serve Cormier-Village and the rural community of Beaubassin-East. The provincial and federal governments are both investing in the project.

The ceremony was attended by Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau and Senator Rose-May Poirier.

“The new innovative multipurpose centre will play a vital role in the life of the local community,” said Boudreau, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “This community project will enable area residents to continue to be active and thrive as we work together to achieve a healthier and more self-sufficient New Brunswick.”

The project is a 630-sq.-m (7,000-sq.-ft.) multi-functional community centre designed to foster economic, cultural, educational and sports activities in the community.

“The Government of Canada, through the Economic Action Plan, has taken steps to stimulate the economy, create jobs in rural New Brunswick and support communities hit hardest by the global economic downturn,” said Poirier. “Our government is proud to contribute to the construction of this sustainable facility, which will create jobs and provide a venue to deliver essential community services."

The total investment being made is $725,000. Of this, the federal government is investing $252,000 under the Community Adjustment Fund, a economic stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The provincial government is contributing $250,000. Le Centre Culturel et Sportif de Cormier-Village inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to operating a centre for the community, will also provide $250,000.

The building will have a large common area with a stage, a conference room and office space. It will be constructed to maximize the passive solar heating potential available through its design and energy-efficient technology such as hydronic and PV solar panels. It will replace the original community centre destroyed by fire in 2005.

“We are proud of our partnership with all levels of government and thankful for their contribution,” said Dan Sote, president, Centre Culturel et Sportif de Cormier-Village. “The aim of our project is to demonstrate in a real-life situation how a small, rural community can contribute to sustainable development and, energy conservation while creating local economic development, long-term employment and providing an affordable recreational facility. The objective is to assist the region to benefit from the sustainable economy of the future, create a healthier environment and providing a new recreation facility.”

The building will be the centrepiece of a 4.8-ha (12-acre) Ecoparc that will contribute to the environmental educational and recreational needs of the region.