SHIPPAGAN (CNB) – A sod-turning ceremony was held today to start the official construction of the Shippagan Multifunctional Centre.
"This new multifunctional centre will serve Shippagan and the entire Acadian Peninsula," said Premier David Alward. "Our investment clearly demonstrates our commitment to investing in northern New Brunswick and all regions of the province."
The centre will be built next to the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre, close to the Université de Moncton, Shippagan campus.
"Families, residents, businesses and organizations in Shippagan will all benefit from this multifunctional centre for years to come," said Bernard Valcourt, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and la Francophonie. “This project fits perfectly with the priorities of our government that are creating jobs and economic growth."
The centre will be used to host a variety of community and business events. The main theatre hall, which will seat up to 450 people, will include a room portioning enabling it to be subdivided into smaller meeting spaces. The hall will be equipped with wireless multimedia technology, including wireless projectors.
"Thanks to the generous contributions of the province and the federal government, the Town of Shippagan will provide the finest and most sophisticated convention centre to the Acadian Peninsula, allowing us to accommodate major events," said Shippagan Mayor Jonathan Roch Noël.
The federal government, through ACOA, is contributing an additional $600,000 under the Innovative Communities Fund, bringing its total contribution to $1,957,575. The provincial government is investing an additional $631,360, bringing its total contribution to $1,531,360. The Town of Shippagan is contributing $855,325.
09-09-11
