SHIPPAGAN (CNB) – The provincial and federal governments announced today a combined investment of more than $550,000 to help Les Amis de l’Aquarium inc. make infrastructure improvements to the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre.

"Tourism is major economic generator for the local economy, and the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre plays a major role in attracting tourists to Shippagan and the Acadian Peninsula," said Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud. "Our investment will assist in allowing up-to-date infrastructure improvements to occur at the centre."

The investment involves improvements such as graphic design, scripting and programming to the permanent exhibition as well as major infrastructure improvements to the facility's permanent exhibition. The work will help the centre meet the latest standards of the tourism industry.

"Our investment in Les Amis de l'Aquarium inc. in the upgraded exhibit at the aquarium will attract more visitors to the Acadian Peninsula," said Bernard Valcourt, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. "The government recognizes that organizations such as Les Amis de l'Aquarium inc. are an economic asset for the region and lay the foundation for long-term growth in the community."

The provincial government is investing $440,563. The federal government, through ACOA, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $96,563 under the Business Development Program. Les Amis de l'Aquarium inc. is contributing $12,875.

"We would like to recognize the support of both levels of government," said Bernard Paulin, president of Les Amis de l'Aquarium inc. "This funding will allow our group to assist in upgrading the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre in an up-to-date facility to attract more visitors to the region and to contribute better to the local and provincial economy."

Les Amis de l'Aquarium inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to support the development and tourism growth at the centre.


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