News Release

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are supporting upgrades to the Chatham Ironmen Ball Park and the Waldo Henderson Field. The upgrades are needed to host the 2015 Senior Men National Baseball Championship Tournament in August.

“Our government’s investment will help Miramichi capitalize on future sports tourism opportunities that stimulate the local economy,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser, who is also minister responsible for the Northern and Miramichi Funds. “We are proud to be one of three levels of government working to carry out this important recreational infrastructure project in the City of Miramichi.”

Upgrades to the Chatham Ironmen Ball Park include the installation of a new scoreboard, clubhouse windows, concrete slabs under the bleachers, as well as new bleachers. The Waldo Henderson Field will also get a new scoreboard in addition to upgrades to its fencing, foul poles, and sewerage system. The improvements to the fields will enable the city to offer better services for a more professional spectator and participant experience.

“Our government is committed to modernizing community infrastructure to help develop prosperous communities and improve the quality of life for Canadian families,” said Miramichi MP Tilly O’Neill-Gordon. “That is why we are pleased to partner with the province in projects like this one that are helping the City of Miramichi increase its capacity to pursue national and international sporting events, generating economic growth for this region.”

O’Neill-Gordon attended the announcement for Rob Moore, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The tournament, which takes place Aug. 20-24, attracts teams and spectators from across Canada. The city will be welcoming teams with a social and a homerun derby on Aug. 19.

The host field for the tournament, the Chatham Ironmen Baseball Field, is home to the Chatham Senior Ironmen of the New Brunswick Senior Baseball League, which is the highest level of amateur baseball play in New Brunswick.

In October 2014, the City of Miramichi invested about $57,000 in a new outfield at the Waldo Henderson Field to prepare it as the secondary field for this event.

“The city is extremely pleased the federal and provincial governments have chosen to partner with us on this initiative,” said Miramichi Mayor Gerry Cormier. “These improvements to our recreation facilities will not only allow us to host a first class national event but will also leave a lasting legacy for the youth in our community. We appreciate the support from both levels of government.”

The provincial government is contributing $114,000 towards the project while the federal government is contributing $93,760 and the city is contributing $23,000. The federal government has selected this project for funding consideration through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.