A long-awaited project is complete in Clare.
A grand-opening celebration was held at the new ‘Clare Veterans Centre’ on Tuesday.
The 9,000 square foot facility on Highway 1 in Saulnierville cost nearly $8 million to build.
A retrofit of the existing centre was originally planned in 2023, but a new building was eventually decided on because of accessibility issues.
Clare Warden Yvon LeBlanc says it’s a great day for the area.
“It’s a place to showcase our community, and everyone can gather here. It really turned out to be a nice facility,” said Warden LeBlanc.
Clare Warden Yvon LeBlanc cuts the ribbon to officially open the ‘Clare Veterans Centre.’ He’s joined by Clare MLA Ryan Robicheau and Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d’Entremont (Acadia News)
LeBlanc says the project saw challenges, including a windstorm that delayed construction in late, 2024.
“We woke up one morning and all the progress was gone, but our contractors were fantastic. They picked up and kept us on track with our project timeline.”
He says bookings to use the facility can be made on the municipal website.
All three levels of government funded the centre, Clare put in over $3 million, the province over half-a-million dollars, and the federal government contributed $3.7 million.
Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d’Entremont says it will also serve as a comfort centre during emergencies.
“Clare is a big area, this makes Saulnierville the centre. You need to have one that’s capable of supporting people in down times like hurricanes and power outages. This facility provides that, it’s easier to heat and keep power,” said d’Entremont.
The building is all one-level, making it easy for veterans to access it.
The main gathering area for the ‘Clare Veterans Centre.’ It’s a 9,000 square foot energy efficient facility (Acadia News)
