CHURCH POINT, N.S - The newly renovated sports centre at the Université Saint-Anne is now called the Marcel R. Comeau Centre Sportif and is officially open to the public.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) previously announced $500,000 of funding from the Innovative Communities Fund for the project but on Sept. 14 an additional $500,000 was announced as a contribution from Comeau’s Sea food.
“Comeau’s Sea Foods is pleased to contribute to the project to modernise the facilities of Université Sainte-Anne’s Sports Centre and at the same time pay tribute to Marcel R. Comeau. Marcel recognised the importance of community life, cultural and artistic events and healthy active lifestyles. The renovations to the sports centre will ensure that all these activities will be possible for many years to come.” said Noel Despres, President and CEO of Comeau’s Sea Foods.
The pool at Université Sainte-Anne’s is a junior Olympic sized pool that has been completely renovated. Along with a brand new cardio equipment room overlooking the gymnasium, a new weight room with new equipment and a modernized common room. Still to come are renovations to the shower and dressing room areas, as well as an upgraded tennis court. The remaining renovations should be finished this fall.
“We are extremely grateful for the investments made by Comeau’s Sea Foods and ACOA, which have enabled the University to offer high quality infrastructure and equipment to our communities. I am confident that this updated infrastructure will have a positive unifying effect and that it will contribute to the development of our community for generations to come,” said Allister Surette, Université Sainte-Anne’s President and Vice Chancellor.
Since the upgraded facilities have opened, there has already been an increase in student traffic and an increase in memberships from members of the public.
“The students have a great sense of pride in the new facilities. It’s great for them and the staff but it also benefits our community,” Surette said.
The University hopes the upgraded facilities will help recruit future students.
“These upgrades will ensure Université Sainte-Anne’s newly named Marcel R. Comeau Centre Sportif continues to be a key venue for hosting sporting events for players, spectators, students and local residents,” said Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. “This modernized facility will contribute to the university’s culture of excellence and will help to attract new students from across Canada and other parts of the world.”
For memberships, information on programs offered or any questions regarding the Sports Centre’s facilities, please go to the website or contact Monica Robicheau at 902-769-2114 (extension 7172) or [email protected].
