ST. STEPHEN, New Brunswick — An enthusiastic group of supporters from both sides of the international border expects to break ground this summer on the new Charlotte County Civic Center — four years ahead of schedule.
Organizers announced Thursday that a site on Budd Avenue near the town square, the visitor information center and the Chocolate Museum in downtown St. Stephen has been selected. The town is buying the property, and will operate the complex once it is built.
Although based in Canada, the sports and community complex will be within walking distance of downtown Calais, Maine, which has participated in fundraising activities for the project.
The property formerly belonged to the Garcelon family, who also agreed to make a sizable donation to the CCCC project.
“Because of the project and location they are returning some of that money as a generous gift,” Richard Fulton, president of CCCC, said Friday. He said he did not know how much. “They are still working on that,” he added.
The Budd Avenue site was selected because it is within the town limits, it will help with the revitalization of the downtown and waterfront development areas, and it has ample parking.
“We have up to $200,000 in other pledges tied to the downtown location,” Fulton said.
Volunteers to date have raised $2.8 million of the $3.5 million needed for the package.
“The fundraising committee is really energized now and we hope to meet our goal within the next two weeks,” Fulton said of the remaining funds to be raised.
The organizers also were able to ramp up the project timeline because of promises of support they have received from the federal and provincial governments.
“The federal and provincial infrastructure money that is available now is going to be spent somewhere with the intention of creating jobs and stimulating the economy as soon as possible,” Fulton said. “By being a project where shovels can be in the ground this year, we greatly increased our ability to access funding.”
Once the local fundraising goal is reached, organizers can appeal to the Canadian federal and provincial governments, which are expected to contribute an additional $4.7 million each.
The town of St. Stephen has agreed to kick an additional $2.1 million into the effort.
Although they plan to break ground this summer, Fulton said, the actual construction would begin later.
Attorney David Mitchell of Calais, who has spearheaded fundraising on the Calais side of the border, said Friday that he was pleased with the announcement. “We are thrilled,” he said from his office Friday. “I think it is evidence that they are moving forward a lot more quickly than the original intent was.”
To date, more than $130,000 has been raised in Maine. Mitchell said letters have been sent out to potential donors and more money is expected.
“Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel and we certainly are going to meet our goal of $3.5 million, we need people to jump on board to [be] recognized as contributing to the efforts,” he said.