SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The provincial government is providing financial support to help the YMCA of Greater Saint John build a new year-round building at the Glenn Carpenter Centre site. This will allow the organization to serve more than 1,500 summer campers and to offer a new nature-based after-school program serving up to 90 children weekly throughout the school year.

“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. “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 provincial government is providing $495,000 for the build, while the YMCA of Greater Saint John is investing $1.25 million and will raise the remaining funds through foundations and individuals. The total cost for the project is $3 million.

“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. This project will expand on our current camping offerings by developing a nature-based after-school program and leading centre for outdoor camping and educational experiences for children aged 5-14, as well as offering expanded community access.”

Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2023.

 

18-09-23