An expansion of the YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre in Saint John is receiving federal funding.
On Friday, officials announced nearly $485,000 for the new outdoor education centre being built.
Project upgrades include insulated concrete building forms, an HVAC system, a metal roof and LED lighting.
The $3.5-million project includes a new one-storey multi-purpose building that will house an after-school program for 90 children.
“There’s a huge waitlist in our facilities for after-school programming,” Shilo Boucher, president and CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, told council during a public hearing in early April.
The expansion will not only allow for additional after-school programming but also support the growth of the YMCA’s newcomer services to help with integration into the community and workforce.
The facility will be able to open its doors year-round rather than just 10 weeks a year for summer day camps.
“Thinking about the YMCA in general, last year we served 44,000 people, and in this facility being expanded, we’re expecting to serve an additional 5,000 people,” said Boucher.
The new centre is scheduled to open its doors in early 2025.
