OREANDA-NEWS. August 23, 2016. Visitors and performers alike will soon benefit from upgraded facilities at the Miramichi Folklore Park, thanks to investments from the federal and provincial governments.

Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi – Grand Lake, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); and the Honourable Bill Fraser, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Northern and Miramichi funds, today joined officials from the Miramichi Folklore Park to make the funding announcement.

The project involves upgrading the roof, construction of a new stage for performers, installing a new heating system, and other general upgrades. These renovations and renewals will provide additional energy and cost-efficiencies, as well as be environmentally sustainable.

The Government of Canada is investing \\$44,161 in the project through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), while the Province of New Brunswick is contributing \\$39,937.

CIP 150 is providing up to \\$300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

This project also builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy which will provide strategic investments in infrastructure.

Quotes

“Working with all orders of government to strengthen our communities is an important priority for the Government of Canada. We believe that investing in strategic infrastructure projects to upgrade community and recreational infrastructure is key to helping create new opportunities and strengthen regional economies.”

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Government of Canada is committed to working closely with municipalities and communities to support projects that contribute to the quality of life of the families who live there. I am pleased that through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, we are helping the Miramichi Folklore Park to complete the renovations needed to operate more cost-efficiently and continue to attract visitors to our beautiful region.”

-  Pat Finnigan, Member of Parliament for Miramichi – Grand Lake

“Miramichi Folklore Park is highlighting the fascinating and significant story of this region. The Government of New Brunswick is proud to be a partner in supporting their efforts to promote our heritage and foster the arts in our communities.”

-       The Honorable Bill Fraser, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Northern and Miramichi funds

“It has been a long and sometimes rocky road to where we are today but with the help of many, many volunteers and with the generous help of both the provincial and federal governments we've made it! We are very pleased to acknowledge everything that has been done to turn this facility into a center for the arts--theater, music, crafts, painting and pottery, as well as for antiques, museum and rental hall. None of this would have happened without all this help and we are very grateful.”

-          Greg Donovan, President, Miramichi Folklore Park Board of Directors