MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments, the City of Moncton and the Université de Moncton today announced funding to upgrade the Moncton Stadium.

“Over the years, Moncton has gained the reputation as a sports hub for New Brunswick, attracting world class sporting events,” said Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud. “We must capitalize on the major events happening at the Moncton Stadium to help rebuild our economy. Moncton will roll out the welcome mat in 2014 for the FIFA Under 20 Women's World Cup and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup of Soccer and today's investment will ensure that Moncton has the proper infrastructure in place to host those international events.”

The provincial government is investing $120,000 through the Regional Development Corporation, while the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada OpportunitiesAgency (ACOA), is providing $137,000 under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

“Our government's top priority is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Rob Moore, minister of state for ACOA. “The Moncton Stadium has successfully showcased itself and the region through high profile international and national events. We are confident that today's investment in infrastructure improvements will help ensure that history repeats itself.”

The City of Moncton and the Université de Moncton are each contributing $80,174 towards the project.

“The Moncton Stadium has been a key piece in making Moncton the sports and entertainment capital of Atlantic Canada,” said Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. “These infrastructure improvements will help us continue to attract major national and international events to our region.”

The project involves the addition of two dressing rooms with separate shower/washroom facilities. These upgrades will allow the facility to host a wider range of large-scale sporting activities in the future, including the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015.


10-09-13