The provincial government is providing the Université de Moncton with $5 million for renovations and expansion planning of its 50-year-old physical education and sports centre.
"Our government wants to help position our post-secondary institutions for success, and maintaining and modernizing infrastructure is key to that goal," said Jean-Claude D'Amours, acting minister of post-secondary education, training and labour. "Upgrading the Centre d'éducation physique et des sports Louis-J.-Robichaud is essential to the Université de Moncton's future plans, and we are thrilled to help advance this project."
The funding will allow the university to renovate the gym and plan the modernization and expansion of the centre's facilities, along with helping complete a cost estimate for the project.
"The Louis-J.-Robichaud complex is a cornerstone of student life, athletic excellence and community engagement," said Denis Prud'homme, the university's president and vice-chancellor. "This support represents a critical step toward building and renovating a modern, dynamic and inclusive environment. With these upgrades, the Centre d'éducation physique et des sports Louis-J.-Robichaud will become an even more vital gathering place for Greater Moncton, addressing a growing need for high-quality, accessible recreational and wellness facilities."
The centre is home to the university's school of kinesiology and recreation, rehabilitation clinics and a variety of sports and fitness programs. It also provides the community with access to swimming lessons, fitness activities and a host site for regional, provincial and national sports events.
Construction of the centre began in 1974, with its official opening held in the fall of 1976.
