Federal/provincial governments investing in multi-functional centre for Blackville

Photo of completed center. Photo added July 2012.

BLACKVILLE (CNB) – Residents of Blackville will soon benefit from a new multi-functional centre, thanks to a $500,000 investment from the governments of Canada and New Brunswick. Premier Shawn Graham, Miramichi MP Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, and Blackville Mayor Glen Hollowood announced today that the federal and provincial governments would each contribute $250,000 toward the project.

“The Province of New Brunswick is proud to be an important partner in this community project,” said Graham. “Our investment in this centre will provide services for our youth and all community groups, improve the quality of their lives, and help us on our journey toward self-sufficiency.”

The centre will house recreation and business space, and is designed to help foster economic and social activity in the community following the permanent closure of UPM Kymmene Sawmill, the village’s main employer.

“The Government of Canada, through the Economic Action Plan, is taking steps to stimulate the economies of communities hard hit by the economic slowdown,” said O’Neill-Gordon. “Our $250,000 investment in this centre will help to unite and support the community as members work together to diversify and revitalize the local economy.”

O’Neill-Gordon attended on behalf of Keith Ashfield, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The project involves the construction of a 390-sq.-metre (4,200-sq.-ft.) multi-functional centre built with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design, as well as a 54-sq.-metre (580-sq.-ft.) detached garage in which to store equipment. The centre will house two seniors’ rooms, a large multi-functional room for youth, a computer access centre, a kitchen, washrooms, a mechanical room and storage space.

“We would like to thank the federal and provincial governments for their financial support in the construction of the new Blackville community centre,” said Hollowood.

The Government of Canada’s $250,000 contribution will come under the Community Adjustment Fund, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of New Brunswick will also contribute $250,000, while the Village of Blackville will provide the remaining $320,000 for completion of the project.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion over two years for the Community Adjustment Fund, which will help create jobs and maintain employment in communities affected by the economic downturn. In Atlantic Canada, the fund is delivered by ACOA.

For more information regarding the Community Adjustment Fund application process, community criteria, and timelines, visit ACOA’s website.