EDMUNDSTON (CNB) – The former St. Paul's United Church will be converted into a new cultural centre for Edmundston thanks to more than $2.2 million from the federal and provincial governments.

"The revitalization project will allow artists and the community at large to share and work together under the same roof,” said Health Minister Madeline Dubé."Our investment will assist in developing the arts and the City of Edmundston's downtown revitalization plan.”

Dubé spoke on behalf of Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud.

"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in the restoration of this historic building and its conversion into a cultural centre for Edmundston that will support both the visual and performing arts," said National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Our support for this unique community project will benefit local and area residents for many years to come."

The arts centre will include a main floor theatre space, an art gallery, a multifunctional room for workshops and art camps, a ticketing facility and an art storage room. The second floor will house offices, a reception room, and two soundproof rehearsal rooms. The basement will be used for storage and will also have a reception area.

"Along with being a great tool for our arts community and an important gathering place for our residents, the Centre des arts de la Petite Église will have a direct impact on our downtown area," said Edmundston Mayor Jacques P. Martin. "This project fits perfectly within our new strategic plan where emphasis is put on the development of the arts and downtown revitalization. We are extremely grateful for the support of the Province of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada in this essential project."

Once the project is completed, the Centre des arts de la Petite Église d'Edmundston will serve as an important focal point for the Madawaska region's artistic communities and for the Edmundston area's tourism sector. The new centre, in its refurbished surroundings, will add to the dynamism of the downtown core.

The federal government is contributing $968,000, through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund and $734,000 through Canadian Heritage's Canada Cultural Spaces Program for a combined investment of more than $1.7 million. The provincial government is providing $500,000 and the City of Edmundston is contributing $734,000.


15-03-11