Community facility on island funded

The community of Grand Manan will proceed with plans for a multi purpose complex to house recreational, cultural and social events year round, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick. The project involves the upgrading of an existing outdoor hockey rink and the upgrading and expansion of the existing Grand Manan Boys and Girls Club facilities. These upgrades will combine to form a multi purpose complex that will serve more than 2,500 people each year and act as a community focal point for a wide range of activities.

"It's really, really exciting to see this actually happening," says Karey Ingalls, executive director of the island's Boys and Girls Club. "We're more than thrilled. It's been a long time coming, and we have a lot to look forward to.

The $3.4 million project was announced on August 28 by Premier Shawn Graham, Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson, and Grand Manan Mayor Dennis Greene.

"Investing in community projects such as the expansion of the Boys and Girls Club on Grand Manan improves the quality of life for island residents, which will help us work toward our goal of self sufficiency," Graham said. "The Province of New Brunswick is proud to be a partner with the entire community of Grand Manan in this important project for the island.

"The Government of Canada is working with its partners to get things done for the people of Grand Manan," Thompson said. "Thanks to our government's investment of more than $1.1 million, the multi purpose complex and expanded Boys and Girls Club facilities will provide a much needed venue for social, cultural and recreational activities for the residents of Grand Manan." He spoke on behalf of National Defense Minister Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

"On behalf of the Village of Grand Manan, I would like to thank the provincial and federal governments in helping us make this project  a dream for more than 25 years  a reality," Mayor Greene said. "We are very pleased that children, families, seniors and visitors alike will be able to come and enjoy the benefits of this fully equipped facility.

The Boys and Girls Club of Grand Manan's executive director points out that this project is "a great opportunity for Grand Manan because this multi-purpose recreation center will serve all age groups.

"We'll be building programs for seniors," Ingalls adds. "The baby boomers are getting older, and we want them to know that they're recognized and appreciated. We have a lot of retirees here, and this will give them something positive to say.

Ingalls is especially excited about plans to start an organized hockey league on Grand Manan, thanks to the improvements to the hockey rink and the dedication of islanders like Carla Ward, a certified hockey coach. "She has pledged to work with me, so we can have a co-ed hockey league here. She's played organized hockey, and she'll bring professionalism.

The undertaking is made possible through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, through which each of the three funding partners will contribute one third, or $1,134,086, towards eligible costs.