The Rural Community of Upper Miramichi will receive $581,000 to invest in a community centre.

Miramichi MP Tilly O'Neill-Gordon joined provincial Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer and Upper Miramichi Mayor Scott Clowater in making the announcement recently.

"Our investment of more than $200,000 through the community adjustment fund will allow the Rural Community of Upper Miramichi to create employment opportunities by constructing a new 3,500-square-foot, multifunctional community centre," O'Neill-Gordon said.

The centre, to be built in Boiestown, will become home to the rural municipality's offices and provide space for local economic development agencies.

It will create a location for local unemployed workers to prepare for future employment.

"Our investment in this multifunctional centre will provide services for our youth and all community groups, improve the quality of their lives and help us on our journey toward self-sufficiency," Brewer said.

"The new multifunctional centre is designed to help foster economic and social activity in the community."

"Since incorporation in 2008, our major focus has been on economic development for Upper Miramichi. Creating the Upper Miramichi Community Development Centre brings many of the key players together to make this happen," said Clowater.

"We are excited to partner with the federal and provincial governments to provide a place for entrepreneurs to access information on business start-ups, receive counselling, training and participate in networking opportunities. This is a significant step forward for Upper Miramichi."

The federal and provincial governments will each contribute $200,000 to the project. The Rural Community of Upper Miramichi will provide $181,000.

For information on Canada's economic plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Donation received to help purchase memorial trees.

Heather Stewart Johnson of Fredericton has made a financial contribution of $100 towards the purchase of the flowering crab trees that will be planted during the homecoming memorial service. Stewart-Johnson made this gesture to the memory of her parents, Isabel and Willard Stewart and her brother, Charles. Thank you Heather for your generosity. If anyone would like to discuss or make contributions towards the expenses of the homecoming please contact any committee member.