ST. STEPHEN (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing nearly $150,000 in an enhancement project at the Garcelon Civic Center in St. Stephen.
The provincial government is investing $46,250 to help the Town of St. Stephen acquire a synthetic floor covering that will allow the centre to host conventions, conferences, concerts and trade shows while keeping its ice surface in place year-round. The federal government is contributing $104,295 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
“The centre is a vital component of our community, and the investment will allow this state-of-the-art facility to host major events year-round, creating opportunities in St. Stephen and Charlotte County,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames.
Ames was speaking on behalf of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
“I am pleased that the federal government is helping the town with upgrades to the Garcelon Civic Center,” said New Brunswick Southwest MP Karen Ludwig. “The new floor covering will not only increase revenue opportunities for the town, but it will also allow the centre to maintain the ice surface throughout the year, thereby increasing energy efficiency.”
Ludwig attended for federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“This financial support will help us to purchase the floor covering for the centre,” said Allan MacEachern, mayor of St. Stephen. “It is an additional asset that will allow us to leave the ice in year-round. This will help us operate the facility efficiently and provide greater opportunities for events throughout the year.”
The Garcelon Civic Center opened in November 2014 to serve St. Stephen and Charlotte County. The facility features several multi-purpose rooms, a reception area, a full-sized ice surface, a walking and jogging track, a 25-metre training pool, and a therapeutic swimming pool.
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