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APOHAQUI - The Apohaqui-Lower Millstream recreation council officially opened the doors to the new Apohaqui Recreation Centre Aug. 22, and unveiled the hall's new sign in the process.

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About 150 residents joined Apohaqui-Lower Millstream rec. council president Donald Brown and Fundy-Royal MP Rob Moore for the grand opening. The new hall has been in the works for nearly three years.

"It's quite a relief to be done," said Brown. "The hall is at the heart of village, its a big part of the community."

Kings-East MLA Bruce Northrup, Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre and Veteran Affairs Minister Greg Thompson were also on hand as the Happy-Go-Lucky Fiddlers entertained.

The $410,000-project, $170, 864 of which came from the provincial government, is located in Jones Memorial Park in Apohaqui and is expected to serve over 1,000 people per year.

"It's and excellent building and we are lucky to have it," said Millstream resident Murray Woods.

"This makes it a permanent, long lasting part of the community."

The new rec. centre replaces the now demolished Centennial Hall. The 40-year old former hall posed problems such as limited space and parking, and it wasn't wheelchair accessible; all improvements which were included in the new building.

The project was supported by the federal-provincial Municipal Rural Infrastructure fund, and Brown expects the hall to be frequently used, strengthening the services of the community.

The hall boasts two, wide open floors with plenty of space to house multiple events simultaneously, Brown said.

Thompson credited the area residents with the success of the new building, and said it demonstrated strong community ties.

"It's your money, taxpayer money," said Thompson, "that gets put to good use. It's a test of your hard work and commitment to your community."

An anonymous donor also gave a brand new clothes washer and dryer to the hall. Brown said all donations will be acknowledged on a wall devoted to thanks donors for their support in the project.