Courtesy City of Dieppe
Construction on the $31 million UNIplex in Dieppe has moved inside for the winter with an expected opening by next fall.
Mayor Yvon Lapierre says the intergenerational complex is on time and on budget to date.
Lapierre says the facility will be community-based with elements such as a greenhouse, multi-purpose rooms, a gym and a kitchen.
“(In the kitchen) we’ll be able to do some teaching and also some experimental cooking. (We’re) looking forward to many of those community elements. The walking track is on the third floor and is completely independent of the rest of the building.
Lapierre anticipates a boost in sports tourism with the addition of two NHL-size ice rinks giving the city a total of four.
He adds the green space next to the UNIplex will allow for events such as concerts with room for up to 25,000 people.
The complex is being funded by the provincial government ($7.25 million), the federal government ($9.58 million), the City of Dieppe ($10.57 million) and the community through a fundraising campaign ($4.25 million).
UNI Financial Cooperation paid $1 million for the naming rights of the new facility.
