News Release

CHARLO (CNB) – The provincial and federal governments are together investing more than $900,000 in improvements to help the Aventuriers de Charlo ski club to improve its status as one of the country's premier biathlon sites and host of the 2011 Canadian Biathlon Championships.

The funding was announced today by Premier David Alward, National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield and Jean-Philippe Levesque, president of the Aventuriers de Charlo ski club.

"We are proud to make this investment, which will help improve the Aventuriers de Charlo ski club’s facilities," said Alward. "These types of investments ensure that our athletes have the necessary facilities to compete on the national and international stage. This investment will also give more opportunity for recreational skiers and other users to enjoy these improved facilities."

The federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is contributing $410,000 to the project under the Innovative Communities Fund. The provincial government is investing $70,000, bringing its total contribution to $499,000. Active CHARLO Actif is investing $165,000 and the Aventuriers de Charlo ski club, $17,000.

"Through the ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund, our government is proud to support the Aventuriers de Charlo ski club," said Ashfield. "Our investment is helping the club build a new multi-purpose building as well as renovate and improve existing infrastructure. These improvements will not only provide this rural community with a first-class, year-round venue for biathalon and other activities; they will also stimulate the local economy by supporting and creating jobs."

Ashfield is also minister for ACOA and minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

"With the assistance of our financial supporters – ACOA, the Regional Development Corporation, Charlo Actif and our group of highly active volunteers – the Aventuriers de Charlo, will be able to upgrade its facilities to national standard and beyond,” said Levesque. “The club will not only have the infractructural capacity of hosting major events such as the Biathlon National Championships from March 22 to 27; it will also be the most equipped venue eastern of Quebec capable of developing future Olympians in the sports of biathlon and cross country skiing. Since this new investment will permit a four-season operation, we are also looking to hire a full-time director in the near future."

The improvements to the infrastructure and trails of this facility will provide the region with a year-round venue for biathlon, cross country skiing, hiking and other outdoor sport and leisure activities. The new multi-purpose building will be used to conduct business and community meetings, serve as a training venue and host community activities.

The upgrades are expected to enable the region to promote itself as an all-season sport tourism destination and improve the economic development capacity of this rural area of New Brunswick.