News Release

MEMRAMCOOK (GNB) – The provincial government has purchased about 100 historical pieces linked to the former Collège Saint-Joseph in Memramcook.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams said the items, valued at $8,500, were purchased prior to an auction organized by Price Waterhouse Coopers - the legal trustee in charge of the receivership for the Memramcook Institute - on April 25.

"In cooperation with the Village of Memramcook, we have retained many items of historical significance linked to the former Collège Saint-Joseph," Williams said. "The most important historical pieces have been acquired so they could be preserved for future generations. We have accomplished this in recognition of the Acadian history and culture that is deeply rooted in the Acadian community."

In consultation with the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Williams said several historical photographs and paintings; vintage woodworking and kitchen tools, candleholders, an antique chandelier, and a piano were purchased. Several confessional boxes and wooden railings were also turned over to the province by the trustee without a fee.

Williams said the province has offered the historical items to the village for $1. In the meantime, the pieces will continue to be stored inside the building. The province will also assist with covering 50 per cent of the cost of other non-historical items purchased by the village during the auction.

The auction last week was part of a legal process undertaken by the trustee as a result of the bankruptcy which left the Memramcook Institute owing $4.5 million to its creditors. Price Waterhouse Coopers had the mandate to sell items as part of the receivership.

The Memramcook Institute was an independent non-profit organization that leased the facility from the province for $1 per year and received support from the provincial government totaling $6.7 million over 10 years, including financial assistance and capital improvements.

At the time of the bankruptcy, the province was no longer in a position to provide additional funding to the Institute.

The provincial government recently reached a two-year agreement with Fox Creek Golf Club of Dieppe for operating and maintaining the Memramcook Valley Golf Course in 2014 and 2015.

A request for proposals is currently being prepared in consultation with community stakeholders - including the Village of Memramcook - to identify a future use for the building and remaining property. Stakeholders will also assist in the evaluation of the submissions.