BELLE-BAIE (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing more than $700,000 in upgrades to the Sportek Rodolphe Boudreau in the newly formed Town of Belle-Baie.

“The Sportek Rodolphe Boudreau is important community infrastructure for Belle-Baie and the region,” said Réjean Savoie, the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “Our government is pleased to invest in this project that is very much in line with our commitment to build vibrant and sustainable communities.”

The complex houses a curling club and the region’s only seasonal farmers market. Upgrades will include roof repairs and improvements to the washroom facilities.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in community infrastructure is essential to strengthen our local economy and support a higher standard of living for everyone,” said Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier. “I am proud of our government’s financial participation in this project, which will enable the community to harness its assets to create jobs and sustain the many wonderful small businesses that define this region.”

Cormier attended for federal Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The provincial government is investing $462,000 through the Regional Development Corporation while the federal funding of $242,750 comes from ACOA.

“The Town of Belle-Baie is very pleased to be able to continue this project initiated by the previous council of the Town of Beresford. The Sportek Rodolphe Boudreau is important infrastructure, allowing some 40 merchants to have access to a busy distribution point during the summer as part of the Ecomarket activities,” said Mayor Daniel Guitard. “It is also a structure that welcomes many curling enthusiasts from here and elsewhere, filling our hotels and restaurants. A great example of a collaborative project, promoting tourism and economic development."