Moncton residents to benefit from new YMCA community and recreation centre

MONCTON, NB, July 28, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and New Brunswick recognize that strategic investments in recreational infrastructure play a key role in supporting healthy, dynamic communities and creating opportunities for the middle class to grow.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Cathy Rogers, Minister of Finance and MLA for Moncton South, and Greg Turner, Deputy Mayor of the City of Moncton, today announced $14 million in joint funding for the construction of a new $17-million YMCA facility in the City of Moncton.

The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are each contributing up to $4 million to this project under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects. The City of Moncton is also providing $6 million and the YMCA of Greater Moncton will undertake a $3-million capital campaign towards the project.

The project consists of building a new 35,000-square community centre and recreational hub in the north end of the City of Moncton. The new facility will include an interior splash area and playground, a gymnasium and fitness centre, an indoor track, as well as a multi-purpose space that will provide community support services and amenities. It will enable more residents to benefit from the YMCA's services, promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement, and creating economic prosperity for the region.

Quotes

"Recreational facilities like the YMCA centre in Moncton play a key role in promoting healthy, active lifestyles while encouraging local economic activity. The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in public infrastructure—including funding for sports and recreation projects like this one—will create growth for the middle class and ensure that our communities will remain among the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Improving the quality of life for all New Brunswickers is very important for your government and we are proud to invest in projects that address that priority. Projects, such as the Moncton YMCA, support strong, healthy communities and we know that investing in them will have a positive impact on our residents for many years. We are also very grateful and appreciative of the local community members who have worked extremely hard to make this project a reality."

The Honourable Cathy Rogers, Minister of Finance and MLA for Moncton South, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation

"Since 2011, residents in the north end have been working on a community project to improve people's health, wellness and fitness levels. This new facility will definitely fill a void in our city's fastest growing area. With its rich history in Moncton, the YMCA is truly the ideal partner for this project. "

Greg Turner, Deputy Mayor, City of Moncton

"The YMCA is excited to be building another centre of community in Moncton. In periods of growth, there is no better time to build the health of our community. As a charity, we provide vital community services that are having a positive impact on some of our community's most pressing heath and social issues–from chronic disease to unemployment, social isolation, poverty, education and more. The YMCA is for everyone. We help people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities lead healthier, more active, more connected lives, regardless of their financial situation. The facility will not only be accessible to YMCA members but the community at large. All residents will be able to access features such as the indoor walking track, community rooms and public gathering spaces."

Zane Korytko, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Greater Moncton

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• These investments complement the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a 2-year federal-provincial action plan aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region through five priority areas:
• Skilled workforce/Immigration;
• Innovation;
• Clean growth and climate change;
• Trade and investment;
• Infrastructure.

Associated links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

Federal infrastructure investments in New Brunswick

Atlantic Growth Strategy

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada