Federal And Provincial Governments Invest In The Grand Falls Civic Centre

March 29, 2008

GRAND FALLS (NB) – The federal and provincial governments are investing in a new civic centre for the Town of Grand Falls that will encourage new opportunities for economic growth in the area.

Funding of over $7 million was announced today by Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); the Honourable Ronald Ouellette, Minister of Agriculture and Aquaculture; and Paul Duffie, Mayor of Grand Falls.

“Through investments such as this, our Government is improving the quality of life for residents and addressing the economic development needs of the region,” said MP Allen. “This new civic centre will be a key piece of infrastructure that will attract and keep businesses, industry, individuals and families in the region.”

"The Province of New Brunswick is proud to be a partner in this important community project for the Town of Grand Falls and area,” Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ronald Ouellette. "Investing in important infrastructure projects will improve the quality of life for the residents of Grand Falls and the entire region, which will help us work toward our goal of self-sufficiency." Ouellette spoke on behalf of Finance Minister Victor Boudreau, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

“The new E & P Sénéchal Centre will become a reality due in to the efforts of our Civic Centre Committee, the generous citizens and businesses of our region, and the tremendous partnership between various levels of government,” said Paul Duffie, Mayor of Grand Falls. “We believe that this Centre will ensure we can capitalize on future economic opportunities, improve our tourism potential and provide this region with a state-of-the-art recreational facility.”

The new civic centre will include rooms equipped with the technology needed to host business meetings and conferences, seating for up to 1,200 spectators, a rink surface, a walking trail and a physical fitness room.

Under ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, the Government of Canada has approved $3 million in funding support. The Province of New Brunswick has invested $4 million in the project; while the Town of Grand Falls is investing $1.6 million. Community fund-raising has raised $3.8 million toward the project.