ATHOLVILLE (CNB) – The Atholville Industrial Mall will receive more than $390,000 in renovations thanks to investments by the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

"Investing in business and commercial parks is identified as an action item in our plan for economic development in northern New Brunswick," said Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud."Our government is committed to creating an environment suitable for developing new opportunities in Atholville and the Restigouche region."

The project includes repairs to the roof of the mall that will eliminate water leaks and consequential mould problems.

"Atholville's Industrial Mall is an important structure that is essential for the growth of the local economy,” said Minister of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie Bernard Valcourt. “Thanks to this upgrade, the Village of Atholville can continue to support its manufacturing sector, knowing that it is providing safe industrial space for our companies. Investing in projects like this one fits perfectly with the priorities of our government, which are the economy and job creation."

The mall houses six companies that employ nearly 100 people in the village. The renovations will help to provide a much healthier working environment for the workers.

"We are very pleased with this news,” said Atholville Mayor Raymond Lagacé. “We want to keep our tenants as they contribute to the economy of our community on a daily basis. This project is essential to maintain our building."

The federal government, through ACOA, is contributing $142,300 to the project under the Innovative Communities Fund. The provincial government is investing $142,314, through the Northern New Brunswick Economic Development and Innovation Fund, while the Village of Atholville is investing $106,166 to cover the remaining costs.


09-11-11