New recreational infrastructure projects must meet new rules

The Gallant government is setting out new criteria that will dictate whether provincial cash will flow to recreational infrastructure projects.

Regional Development Minister Victor Boudreau announced the guidelines on Tuesday.

The RDC minister said the new criteria will help make sure a consistent approach is taken to awarding provincial funds for recreation infrastructure projects.

The guidelines also stipulate the provincial government wants something in return.

"We must ensure we get a return on our investment," Boudreau said in a statement.

The most controversial project that could be affected by these new rules is the proposed $107-million downtown sports and entertainment centre in Moncton.

City politicians and businesses are pressuring the provincial government to cough up about $24 million in funds to help get the project of the ground.

The new rules say municipalities, regional service commissions or non-profit corporations can apply for provincial help, but the proposals must adhere to several guidelines.

The projects must include:

• A needs assessment
• A business plan
• The project must be sustainable without continued government financial help
• There must be success indicators and measurable economic benefits
• A reasonable payback and return on investment for the provincial government
• All required financing is in place prior to the RDC handing over funds
• It must also arrange funding from other federal, local or private sources