News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The official opening of the Fredericton Convention Centre took place today. Construction was made possible by investments by the federal and provincial governments as well as the City of Fredericton.

Premier David Alward, National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield and Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside attended the opening.

"This new, state-of-the-art facility is another feather in the cap for Fredericton and New Brunswick's hospitality industry," said Alward. "The addition of a downtown convention centre will allow Fredericton and other groups to host major events."

"The new Fredericton Convention Centre will promote national and international business as well as tourism in the region," said Ashfield. "The centre will provide the ability to host important conferences and events in New Brunswick's capital city of Fredericton."

Ashfield is also minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

Part of the City of Fredericton’s East End Development project, the 5,940-square-metre (66,000-sq.-ft.) centre has been built to silver-LEED certification standards. It will be capable of accommodating 1,000 seated persons – 1,500 persons in a stand-up concert-style setting. It includes meeting rooms, a ballroom, a business centre, a commercial kitchen as well as teleconferencing and multi-media facilities.

"The Fredericton Convention Centre is part of a transformative project for the east end of our downtown," said Woodside. "Not only will it result in new tourism and event business, but it is sure to serve as a catalyst for additional development. This is a great day for Fredericton, and I want to thank the federal and provincial governments for their investment in our future."

The East End Development project incorporates the flexible multi-purpose event and conference centre, which is connected and integrated with a new office building and parking structure.

The total cost is estimated at $27.9 million. The provincial and federal governments have jointly committed $8 million, with the City of Fredericton providing $19.9 million for the balance of funding. This initiative was part of the 2008-09 New Brunswick Annual Capital Plan under the Provincial/Territorial Base Fund.