News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The new YMCA officially opened in Fredericton on Saturday, Oct. 15.

"Empowering New Brunswickers to live more actively is vital to growing healthier communities and a stronger province," said Premier David Alward. "Our government's participation in the construction of the Fredericton YMCA is an investment in this region's wellness, now and in the future."

The YMCA covers 5,400 square metres (60,000 square feet) and includes a wellness centre, gymnasium, squash courts, community rooms, a child development centre, a 25-metre (82-foot) lap pool and an instructional warm water pool.

"Fredericton's new YMCA is a place to work, a place to play and a place for the community to gather," said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keith Ashfield. "The Government of Canada is proud to have supported this important project, which will enrich and enhance the lives of local families for years to come."

Funding was announced on Sept. 10, 2009, with the federal government providing up to $5.275 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The YMCA financed the remaining costs. The provincial government sold a 2.6-hectare (6.5-acre) parcel of land, valued at $2.5 million, for $1 to the YMCA for the project. The total eligible cost is $15.8 million.

"We look forward to welcoming the Fredericton community to our new Y in the months and years ahead," said David Rioux, president of the YMCA of Fredericton. "Thanks to the partnership of all three levels of government in concert with more than 700 community donors, we are now able to offer a state-of-the art facility that will make a valuable contribution to the wellness, recreational and early childhood infrastructure of our community for decades to come."

Since the original funding announcement, Fredericton city council added an additional grant of $50,000 per year for the next five years, for a total of $250,000.

"The City of Fredericton is pleased to be supporting the new YMCA," said Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside. "The institution certainly plays an integral role in the cultural fabric of our community."

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is supporting more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. The federal government has committed more than $90 million under the fund to 60 projects in New Brunswick.

The provincial and federal governments are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making funding contributions that help communities improve their infrastructure.