Saint John will benefit from infrastructure upgrades to help bring people back to public spaces safely

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

May 17, 2022 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay, announced an investment of $300,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Royal United Services Institute of New Brunswick (RUSI NB). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow RUSI NB to erect an accessible outdoor naval memorial in downtown Saint John, to honour New Brunswick’s involvement in the Second World War. The memorial, which will be the first of its kind in the province, will contribute to the vitality and cohesion of the community and provide an improved site for community gatherings.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in New Brunswick are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared public spaces helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, creates jobs, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”

-        The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Updating and improving shared outdoor spaces strongly contributes to the vitality of our communities. The new naval memorial in Saint John will offer an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about New Brunswick’s remarkable and important contribution to the naval and maritime heritage of Canada and the world.”

-        Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay

“The NBNM Committee has been working for nearly five years with the vision of erecting the New Brunswick Naval Memorial along the Saint John Harbour Passage, adjacent to HMCS Brunswicker, as a way of recognizing and commemorating the long and storied history of New Brunswick’s significant role in the naval and maritime heritage of Canada. The Memorial is also meant to honour the courage and sacrifice of New Brunswick mariners and maritime aviators who paid the ultimate price in the service of our nation. The $300,000 contribution recently announced under the auspices of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund will make this vision a reality. Your support and confidence in our project made this possible.”

-      Paul Dempsey, Captain Navy (Retired), Chair, NBNM Committee

Quick facts

  • CCRF funding will support two major streams of activity:

    o   adapt community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,

    o   build or improve community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

  • Eligible recipients will include not-for-profit organizations; rural, municipal or regional governments; Indigenous groups and communities; and public sector bodies that provide municipal-type infrastructure. 

  • Priority may be given to projects that encourage the participation of underrepresented groups and take into consideration the unique challenges of rural and remote communities. 

  • For more information on the application process, eligibility criteria and eligible expenses, or to apply for the CCRF, reach out to your regional development agency.

  • Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery in the region. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, Jobs and Growth Fund, Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and Tourism Relief Fund.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

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