The federal and provincial governments combined are kicking in $16.75 million towards a $28.7 million intergenerational community complex in Dieppe.
Mayor Yvon Lapierre says it is a dream they’ve had for almost 15 years to improve their community infrastructure.
“And specifically, it will mean a greenhouse, [an indoor] walking track, two ice surfaces, [because] we need to replace out Centennial Arena which by it’s own name is over 50 years old,” says Lapierre.
The 9,065 square metre space will also include a community kitchen for both teaching and for experimenting on food creation, Lapierre says, but it will also have meeting spaces for a variety of activities.
Lapierre says the City of Dieppe is covering the remainder of the cost, and part of that will be paid for via a fundraising campaign that’s already 70 per cent of the way towards their $4.5 million goal.
He adds the aim is to be open by the summer of 2020, and it will be an added bonus to hosting the 2021 Jeux de la Francophonie.
The provincial government estimates the economic spinoffs for the province from hosting the Jeux de la Francophonie will top $50 million dollar, including $22 million dollars for the host region (that is, the Greater Moncton Area, since Dieppe and Moncton are jointly hosting the event.)
Mayor Lapierre says it will also allow them to bid for more sporting and other events to be held at the complex, saying in the past they’ve had to turn down offers to host events like ringuette tournaments because they didn’t have available space.
Premier Brian Gallant, in attendance at the event, said construction of the complex was expected to generate 255 jobs and nearly $49 million in direct and indirect sales in the province.
