New Brunswick is putting forward nearly half a million dollars for a new YMCA building in Saint John.
Officials said the province is providing $495,000 to help the YMCA of Greater Saint John build a new building at the Glenn Carpenter Centre site.
It’s estimated to serve more than 1,500 summer campers and offer a nature-based after-school program serving up to 90 children per week.
“This type of community infrastructure is an important part of supporting our growing communities and building vibrant and sustainable communities,” said Réjean Savoie, minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, in a news release.
“The provincial government is pleased to support this project, and I appreciate the work that Portland-Simonds MLA Trevor Holder has done to help advance it.”
The YMCA of Greater Saint John will be investing $1.25 million and will raise the remaining funds through foundations and individuals.
The total cost for the project is $3 million, officials said.
“This amazing asset was donated to the Y by Glenn Carpenter in 2000 with a vision to be a place where inner city youth would come to build connections with nature, friends and life-long skills, providing them a place where they belong,” said Shilo Boucher, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Saint John.
“We are excited to move his vision forward with the goal to generate more opportunities for positive impacts on the children, youth and families who participate in our programs.”
Boucher said the project will expand on the YMCA’s camping offerings for children aged five to 14, as well as expanded community access.
Construction on the new facility is expected to begin this fall.