New community centre opens in Upper Miramichi

 New community centre opens in Upper Miramichi

UPPER MIRAMICHI (CNB) – Representatives from the three levels of government joined local residents today to officially open the Rural Community of Upper Miramichi Community Development Centre. The facility houses recreation and business space, and is designed to help foster economic and social activity.

“Today’s celebration is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when provincial, federal and local governments work together,” said Jake Stewart, MLA for Southwest Miramichi. “This new centre helped create construction jobs and will now serve the entire community, demonstrating the importance of investing in all corners of our province, including in rural New Brunswick.”

Stewart spoke on behalf of Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud.

“Our government, through the Economic Action Plan, is taking steps to stimulate the economy, and create jobs in rural New Brunswick,” said Miramichi MP Tilly O’Neill-Gordon. “Our investment of more than $200,000 has helped the Rural Community of Upper Miramichi create employment opportunities during the construction phase of this multifunctional community centre that will now provide a venue to deliver community services to youth, women and local workers.”

O’Neill-Gordon spoke on behalf of National Revenue, Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

The centre provides space for youth and area residents for social activities and to promote and undertake entrepreneurial initiatives. Local economic development agencies and municipal staff will use the offices to provide services to the 16 communities forming the Rural Community of Upper Miramichi.

“We are very pleased to now be settled into the new Upper Miramichi Community Development Centre,” said Scott Clowater, mayor for the Rural Community of Upper Miramichi. “The new space provides us with the opportunity to move our new community forward with programs and services for businesses in our area. We have already seen a tremendous amount of activity at the centre and are planning a business forum for next week. It is an exciting time for Upper Miramichi, and we are grateful for the partnership with the provincial and federal governments to provide this centre for our community.”

The provincial government contributed $250,000 and the federal government contributed $202,500 toward the project. The Rural Community of Upper Miramichi provided the remaining $181,000 to complete the project.

04-12-10

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