News Release

HAMPTON (GNB) – The provincial, federal and municipal governments today announced $15.4 million in funding for the Hampton Regional Multipurpose Facility.

“Improving the community and recreation infrastructure will promote an active and healthy lifestyle for the residents of Hampton and the entire region,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “The Town of Hampton and surrounding communities have been pursuing this investment for a number of years, so it is great to see it become a reality with today’s announcement.”

The 6,003 sq. metre (66,700 sq. ft.) facility will be built on a 1.2 hectare (30-acre) parcel of land owned by the town in the William Bell Drive Business Park. It will house an ice surface, changing rooms, washrooms, bleachers, walking track, one large community room space, leisure services offices, as well a lounge and canteen. The provision of an elevator will make the facility wheelchair accessible.

“Recreation facilities are at the heart of Canadian communities,” said Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long. “The new multipurpose facility in Hampton will be a wonderful space for people to connect and enjoy the activities they love. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Long spoke for federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna.

The federal government is investing more than $6.2 million towards the project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The provincial government, through the Regional Development Corporation, is providing more than $3.9 million while the Town of Hampton and several local service districts are contributing more than $5.3 million.

“What an amazing day for recreation in the Greater Hampton Region. Through collaboration, communication and co-operation, the Town of Hampton and our neighbouring local service districts have successfully worked together to develop the Hampton Regional Multipurpose Facility,” said Mayor Robert Doucet. “With today’s announcement, we look forward to breaking ground, thanks in large part to our funding partnership with our federal and provincial counterparts. When this much-anticipated facility opens, its operations will include representation from the local service districts and the Town of Hampton, making this a truly regional recreation facility.”

In 2016, the surrounding Local Service District’s of Upham, Hampton, Norton and a portion of Springfield voted to financially support this project through property tax contributions.

The existing arena is 44 years old, has reached the end of its useful life and cannot meet the growing demand for recreation and sports programming. Once completed, the new space will serve an estimated 1,400 users per week.