News Release

DIEPPE (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing a combined $16.8 million in construction of a new intergenerational community complex in Dieppe.

“Your government’s multi-year economic growth plan has investments in infrastructure as a key component for creating jobs and stimulating the economy,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “This investment will help New Brunswick host a successful Games of La Francophonie in 2021, which is important as these games will bring in significant economic spinoffs for the province’s economy.”

The 9,065-square metre complex will include a community kitchen, a greenhouse, three community rooms, a walking track and two ice surfaces. The provincial government’s investment will not be used toward construction of the ice surfaces as part of this community complex.

Construction of the $29-million complex is expected to create 255 jobs and nearly $49 million in direct and indirect sales in the province.

“Investing in recreational infrastructure that reflects the interests of residents is one of the many ways that the Government of Canada is helping to create healthy and vibrant communities,” said Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “Public infrastructure projects such as the Dieppe Intergenerational Community Complex help build strong and inclusive communities for all New Brunswickers.”

Petitpas Taylor spoke on behalf of federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi.

“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects like the Dieppe Intergenerational Community Complex that support the development of athletes, and provide a place where people can stay active and connect with one another,” said Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

The complex will support infrastructure requirements of the 2021 International Games of La Francophonie, which will be held in Dieppe and Moncton. The games are the Francophonie’s largest sporting and cultural event dedicated to youth. The estimated economic spinoffs for the province are more than $50 million, including $22 million for the host region. With no language requirements, the games are open to all, including francophone, anglophone and First Nations people. With national and international media covering the games, the area hopes to benefit from worldwide visibility.

“This is great news,” said Éric Mathieu Doucet, president of the board of directors of the ninth Games of La Francophonie. “As part of the 2021 International Games of La Francophonie, the intergenerational centre will not only be used for the women’s basketball competitions, it will also strengthen the core activities that will take place in downtown Dieppe.”

The Regional Development Corporation is providing a $7.25-million non-repayable contribution toward a portion of the development. The federal government is investing $9.57 million through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund.

“As the city of Dieppe continues to grow, our investment will ensure the intergenerational complex will help meet the needs of community groups and residents of all ages,” said Treasury Board President Roger Melanson.

The remainder of the project will be financed by the City of Dieppe.

“Thanks to the support from the provincial and federal governments, a unifying and unique intergenerational community complex that will meet the needs of the whole community will be built in Dieppe,” said Dieppe Mayor Yvon Lapierre. “This project will not only foster the community life and our population’s well-being, but it also has the potential to stimulate the development of our downtown and become an asset for the development of sport and event tourism. This component will generate important economic spinoffs for several businesses in the community and encourage other businesses to settle in the neighbourhood.”