$29M Dieppe community centre planned with all ages in mind

Plans are in the works to build a $29-million community centre in Dieppe to replace the Centennial Arena, which was built in 1967.

The proposed Intergenerational Community Complex would feature a main ice surface surrounded by 1,104 seats, a secondary ice surface surrounded by 324 seats, as well as an indoor walking track, a kitchen, community rooms accommodating up to 150 people, and a greenhouse.

A news release about the new centre described the Centennial Arena as being at the end of its life.

"There's a major need for additional ice, based on the demographics and the growth that we have," said Mayor Yvon Lapierre.

"Beyond that, obviously, what we want to do is with the demographic composition we have. With one-third of our population under 30, one-third of our population between 30 and 60, and one-third above 60 years old, we think we have a great opportunity to integrate — or continue to integrate, because I think we do a pretty decent job now — these three groups of our demographics together and create a real first-class community centre."

Cost-sharing

The city has earmarked $5.5 million for the project and earlier this week, a volunteer citizen-based group, GoDieppe, launched a fundraising campaign called My Complex, My Community to raise $4.5 million.

The municipality is hoping the provincial and federal governments will each come through with $9.5 million to cover the remaining construction costs by October, said Lapierre.

If all goes according to schedule, the city expects to issue tenders this fall, with construction set to begin next spring, he said.

The opening is planned for 2019, which would coincide with the World Acadian Congress coming to southeastern New Brunswick and P.E.I. that summer.

'Driven by and for residents'

The project is "driven by and for residents," based on consultations with 18 community organizations, GoDieppe campaign co-chairs Annick Laforge and Bob Cormier said in a statement.

Demand for ice hours has exceeded supply for several years, according to the statement, and a consulting engineering firm recommended closure of the aging Centennial Arena in 2011.

We want to create a civic movement, a commitment and a sense of belonging of the residents to their community.- GoDieppe co-chairs

The new "signature complex" will "give the community a gathering place centred on health, wellness and physical activity," they said.

"We want to create a civic movement, a commitment and a sense of belonging of the residents to their community and we are confident that the Intergenerational Community Complex is the way to achieve it."

Lapierre acknowledged there may be some people who question the spending.

"To find critics is very easy."

But the city is in a "very good financial situation," he said.

"We want to work with people that think forward and think in a positive way and that's what we`re doing with the group GoDieppe."