MONCTON (CNB) – A ceremony was held Oct. 13 to mark the completion of the second and final phase of development for the Crossman Community Centre / Kay Arena.

"Our government's participation in Phase Two of the Crossman Community Centre / Kay Arena is an investment in this region's wellness, now and in the future," said Justice and Consumer Affairs Minister Marie-Claude Blais, speaking on behalf of Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud.

Phase Two involved the addition of a large gymnasium with retractable bleachers, a walking track, locker rooms and showers and other features that ensure that the facility is available to support recreational programs for preschoolers through to seniors.

"High-quality recreational infrastructure is as important to the health of a community as the roads and water lines that tie it together," said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen. "The investments we have made in the Crossman Community Centre / Kay Arena will ensure that the families and residents of Moncton's Lewisville area will continue to have access to excellent recreational facilities for years to come."

Goguen was appearing on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and la Francophonie.

"The new Crossman Community Centre / Kay Arena is a testament to the hard work and grassroots efforts of many people and will be a point of pride for Moncton and a focal point for Moncton's Lewisville community for many years to come," said Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. "I want to thank both the federal and provincial governments for their funding contributions and support for both phases of this project as well as to the Kay Community Centre Foundation for its hard work and unwavering vision."

The provincial government contributed $1.5 million, while the federal government supported the addition of the gymnasium with an investment of $502,000 through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, a stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The City of Moncton contributed $1 million.


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