News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing up to $8 million in the construction of a new $17-million YMCA facility in Moncton.

“Improving the quality of life for all New Brunswickers is important for your government, and we are proud to invest in projects that address that priority,” said Finance Minister Cathy Rogers. “Projects such as the Moncton YMCA support strong, healthy communities, and we know that investing in them will have a positive impact on our residents for many years. We are also grateful and appreciative of the local community members who have worked extremely hard to make this project a reality.”

Rogers spoke on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser, who is also the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

“Recreational facilities like the YMCA centre in Moncton play a key role in promoting healthy, active lifestyles while encouraging local economic activity,” said federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in public infrastructure, including funding for sports and recreation projects like this one, will create growth for the middle class and ensure that our communities will remain among the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family.”

Petitpas Taylor spoke on behalf of federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister François-Philippe Champagne.

The provincial and federal governments are each contributing up to $4 million through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund for national and regional projects. The City of Moncton is providing $6 million and the YMCA of Greater Moncton will undertake a $3-million capital campaign.

The project consists of building a 3,252-square metre (35,000-square foot) community and recreation centre in Moncton’s north end. The facility will include an interior splash pad, a gymnasium and fitness centre, an indoor track and a multi-purpose space that will be used to provide community support services and amenities.

“Since 2011, residents in the north end have been working on a community project to improve people’s health, wellness and fitness levels,” said Moncton Deputy Mayor Greg Turner. “This new facility will definitely fill a void in our city’s fastest-growing area. With its rich history in Moncton, the YMCA is truly the ideal partner for this project.”

“The YMCA is excited to be building another centre of community in Moncton,” said Zane Korytko, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Moncton. “In periods of growth, there is no better time to build the health of our community. As a charity, we provide vital community services that are having a positive impact on some of our community’s most pressing health and social issues – from chronic disease to unemployment, social isolation, poverty, education and more.”