News Release

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The official opening of a new synthetic turf field took place today in Miramichi.

“The Province of New Brunswick is proud to have invested in this most important community infrastructure project for Miramichi and the region,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser, who is also the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “This celebration clearly demonstrates what can happen when the whole community rallies together to create a greater opportunity for health and wellness and a better overall quality of life for our residents.”

The field is located next to King Street Elementary School. Built to Fédération Internationale de Football Association standards, it is lined for both soccer and field hockey and can also be used for other sports.

“The City of Miramichi was proud to partner with the Province of New Brunswick to bring the new turf field to our community,” said Mayor Adam Lordon. “This turf will provide our youth, and all citizens, a state-of-the-art sporting facility and gathering place that will encourage active living while also boosting our economy by enhancing our sport tourism offerings.”

The provincial government, through the Regional Development Corporation and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, contributed $1 million to the project. The City of Miramichi invested $500,000.

“The partnership among the Regional Development Corporation, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the City of Miramichi is a great example of what partnerships can achieve when working together for the same goal: the future of our children,” said Eileen Bowes, who chairs a local community group called Building a Future for our Children. “It was wonderful to be part of a project that will bring so much to our community. Our youth will benefit greatly. Having access to a turf field allows athletes extra months of training time that is not possible on a grass field. Our community is excited about the economic impact it will have. We have already had interest in booking tournaments in the upcoming year.”