News Release

WOODSTOCK (CNB) – The provincial and federal governments announced today an investment of up to $8 million to modernize and expand the Carleton Civic Centre.

"The Carleton Civic Centre project and the other planned projects are important partnerships for a region determined to continue growing more healthy and vibrant," said Premier David Alward. "This investment will create a lasting legacy of progress for our families, youth and seniors."
        
The Town of Woodstock is planning to renovate, expand and modernize the centre, including the meeting and conference spaces. The project is one of a number planned for the town, including the expansion of L.P. Fisher Library, modernization of Woodstock High School theatre and construction of a new field house.

"The Town of Woodstock's plans to renovate and expand the centre will provide local residents and visitors alike with an excellent venue for both recreational and business related activities, contributing to the quality of life and economic vitality of the community and the surrounding area," said Bernard Valcourt, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. "Our government is proud to support important projects such as the Carleton Civic Centre, which build on community strengths and create far-reaching local and regional economic opportunities."
    
The federal government, through ACOA, and the provincial government have made a commitment to contribute jointly up to $8 million. This support is conditional on the Town of Woodstock meeting all applicable eligibility and approval requirements outlined in the contract. The Town of Woodstock and the Woodstock Rotary Club are committing up to $4 million.

"Today's funding announcement is the catalyst for an exciting cultural, artistic and recreational renaissance in the greater Woodstock region," said Woodstock Mayor Arthur Slipp. "In addition to improving our citizens' quality of life, this project will bring tremendous long-term social benefits and sustained economic growth to southern Carleton County. Our federal and provincial governments are to be commended for providing the financial support necessary to address our region's number one priority – the expansion of the Carleton Civic Centre."  

"Today's funding commitment from both levels of government will enable the Woodstock Rotary Club in partnership with the Town of Woodstock and neighbouring local service districts to improve our everyday well-being and become a greater attraction to those outside our region," said Scott Dunlop, chair of the civic centre project steering committee. "This project will benefit the region for many years to come."