News Release

ELSIPOGTOG (CNB) – The provincial and federal governments and the Elsipogtog First Nation are making a combined investment of more than $1.17 million in upgrades to the Chief Young Eagle Recreation Centre.

The announcement was made today by Premier David Alward and National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield.

"Today's announcement is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when provincial, federal and First Nation governments work together," said Alward. "The improvements to Elsipogtog's recreational facility will create and maintain existing jobs, enhance community pride and promote healthy living for adults and children alike."  

The premier is also the minister responsible for the responsible for the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the need within so many Canadian communities for better recreational facilities," said Ashfield. "Our investment of more than $585,000 through Canada's Economic Action Plan is generating activity in the local construction trades, supporting jobs and ensuring that area residents will have access to an important community facility for years to come."

Ashfield is also minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

Under the project, the centre will be renovated to current building codes and standards. The facility will be expanded to house four change rooms with washroom facilities, public washrooms and storage rooms.
 
"I am extremely honoured that we are able to improve our recreation centre with the assistance from the provincial and federal governments," said Jesse John Simon, chief of the Elsipogtog First Nation. "Elsibogtog is a very young community, with an average age in the low 20s, and we are now growing at a rate of 2½ times the national average of non-native communities. Our youth represent our leadership for the future, and it is imperative that we offer them every opportunity to become successful in whatever field they wish to enter, including recreation."

The federal government, through ACOA, is investing $587,893 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. The provincial government and the Elsipogtog First Nation are each providing $292,696.

Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across Canada. The RInC program is delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA.