Premier pledges stadium funds; Politics Graham makes commitment at Liberal dinner, mayor and MLA say, but details still being worked out
New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal
Sat Sep 5 2009
Premier Shawn Graham is on board when it comes to funding for the Canada Games Stadium refurbishment, say politicians who attended a Liberal dinner Thursday.They say Graham pledged the funds for long-awaited stadium upgrades during a dinner at the Lily Lake Pavilion.But a provincial spokesman says details are still being ironed out.
"He said we're going to participate in the Canada Games funding. So I guess you can take that to the bank," said Tourism and Parks Minister Stuart Jamieson, the MLA for Saint John-Fundy.Recreation leaders have been waiting for funding announcements for the $5.6- million upgrades for most of the summer. Saint John MP Rodney Weston pledged the federal government's $1.4-million share Aug. 19 with much fanfare, but local MLAs did not take part, saying they were still working on securing the funds. The city, the University of New Brunswick Saint John and Brunswick Pipeline have pledged the rest.
"This is a very complex file," said Bruce Macfarlane, spokesman with the province's Regional Development Corporation. "Everyone has been very patient on this. We are still working out the final details to make it happen." The original federal funds were supposed to come from stimulus dollars, but the project wasn't eligible because it was not for a new building. So now the province has to find money from another pot, Macfarlane said."We're well aware of everyone's timelines," Macfarlane said Friday afternoon. "However, we ask for patience. We're like a whisker away."
Mayor Ivan Court said he took Graham's pledge Thursday night as a promise."He announced the funding will be there," Court said. "He made it perfectly clear the money is there for Canada Games." That means the city will begin the construction process, with the aim of having upgrades ready for next summer's Acadian Games. "We're trying to move the tenders as soon as possible. We hope to get them out in the next week or the next two weeks," Court said Friday.
Jamieson said Graham was clear the money is on its way."He wanted to assure the crowd that we were going to fulfill that commitment, " Jamieson said, adding the premier has been actively involved in working out the details. "The premier has made the commitment for something we've been talking about over the last while, and he's confirmed that commitment."
Macfarlane said Graham and regional federal minister Greg Thompson, the MP for Southwest New Brunswick were meeting on the matter as late as Friday afternoon."When everything is signed, sealed and delivered, there will be a major, formal announcement made by the provincial government," Macfarlane said.
He could not provide details on how soon that might occur.
The stadium renovation project, managed by UNBSJ, will include a new eight- lane track, synthetic turf field, lighting and upgrades to the grandstand and stadium.
3 comments:
I think this is a good move for sports in the area of Saint John. I think that it is important that the government recognizes that they need to step up to the plate in order for their province to host such games. I am from PEI and saw the amount of money and work put in by the Provincial and Federal Governments to host the Canada Games this past summer. From roads being up graded, fields and venues built or upgraded. There was a big price tag but we now have these venues to host other major events. There was a major economic spin off from the games and participation was immensew from athletes coaches managers alike. There was overwhelming attendence at the games as well. I worked for the PEI Baseball team as the Athleti Therapist and we had over 3000 people a game, and we were normally used to less than 100 a game ! Sport is important and it is nice to see the Government do their part !
I would agree that this is a good thing. But who decides how this money is spent. Too often, the government makes these announcements with an eye on the ballot box. I want Sport and Rec professional deciding how to spend the money not MLA's needing to shore up their base.
Your Right Greg, There should be someone sport and rec involved in the money being spent, or perhaps a panel of sports rec people set up and consult them and get them to make the decisions. I will say Our MLA in charge of culture and sport in PEI is very good and she does a very good job. Not sure if she has a degree in sport rec or not. I know the last guy they had was brutal but he was shuffled out, not sure if it was because of the poor job he did.
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