Saint Andrews residents to benefit from arena roof refurbishment

SAINT ANDREWS, NB, Dec. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are committed to investing in local infrastructure to ensure families have access to reliable and high-quality public services. Investing in recreational infrastructure creates good middle class jobs, strengthens the economy and connects people to their communities.

Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, John Ames, New Brunswick Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, and Doug Naish, Mayor of the Town of Saint Andrews today announced funding to upgrade the roof at the W.C. O'Neill Arena.

The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are each contributing $295,128 to this project through the Small Communities Fund, under the New Building Canada Fund. The Town of Saint Andrews will also provide $295,128, bringing the total municipal-provincial-federal investment to $885,384.

The project involves the replacement of the roof on the arena complex to extend its useful life by over 25 years. The renovations to the facility will ensure that residents of Saint Andrews can benefit from recreational activities in a safe, modern and community-driven space. Once complete, friends and families will be able to gather together and continue to enjoy more sporting activities, have fun, and connect with others in their community for years to come.

Quotes

"Our government recognizes that investing in recreational infrastructure like the W.C. O'Neill arena helps build strong communities. The upgrades to the arena not only provide residents with opportunities to stay fit and healthy, they also support economic growth and the creation of jobs. This investment helps ensure that this facility remains a safe and secure environment for residents of the community for many years to come."

Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Our investment in this important recreational infrastructure project will ensure W.C. O'Neill Arena remains a hub of community activity for recreation, theatre, business, tourism and more for the Town of St. Andrews and Charlotte County."

The Honourable John Ames, New Brunswick Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture on behalf of Honourbale Bill Fraser, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation

"We've been dealing with frequent issues with the roof in recent years, and were at risk of closing the facility this winter if there are significant snow loads. The ongoing support of both levels of government will allow us to continue to operate this important hub of community activity for many years to come."

Doug Naish, Mayor of the Town of Saint Andrews

Quick facts

• 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.
• $21.9 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in New Brunswick: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/nb-eng.html

Small Communities Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html

Smart Cities Challenge: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cities-villes-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada