News Release
Politicians work together to support convention centre
November 3, 2008
Federal and provincial politicians are giving moral support to Fredericton over its decision to move forward with construction of a $75.5-million downtown convention centre, parking garage and office building.
ADI International's concept plan for the building has been emblazoned on a sign that will go up at the Queen Street work site to show the public the vision for the development.
Local politicians braved a rainy day recently to gather for a photograph of the final design.
Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield, who pledged to try to secure more federal funding for the project, said he's committed to his word.
"We'll be working with the city certainly to see what we can do at the federal level," Ashfield said.
"This is a great project for the city of Fredericton and will certainly be key in revitalizing the downtown area. I think it's terrific and I'm looking forward to the day that it's up and we can walk through the door and cut the ribbons."
The federal and provincial governments are putting cash into the project. Each level of government has pledged $4 million for the development.
The office building - estimated to cost $42 million - will become the new home for downtown civil servants who are currently in the aging Centennial Building, which has to undergo a major retrofit. The province has agreed to a 20-year lease with the city.
"I think these are exciting times for Fredericton," said provincial Justice Minister T.J. Burke, who's also the MLA for Fredericton-Nashwaaksis.
"Working in concert with MLAs and various levels of government, we can get a lot done for the City of Fredericton. This is just a prime example of when governments put their heads together and work together, we can achieve good results for our residents."
Fredericton-Silverwood MLA Rick Miles said all three levels of government are committed to improving the infrastructure of the capital city.
"I'm happy to see that we can all work together to accomplish the new conference centre here," Miles said.
The city is excavating the 10,000-square-metre site for the three buildings.
The convention centre will be connected to The Playhouse and the city is also assessing expressions of interest from developers who might want to construct a hotel adjacent the convention centre.
Coun. Dan Keenan, the chairman of the city's development committee, wouldn't turn down more cash.
"We're always pleased to work with our partners to achieve our infrastructure needs. It's so exciting to see us finally moving some dirt here and getting the foundation in," Keenan said.
The development is expected to be completed in 2010.