Meridian donates $5.23 million to spectator facility

ST. CATHARINES, ON, Sept. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - So long, spectator facility. Hello, Meridian Centre.

The new name of the downtown, multi-purpose facility was announced Tuesday afternoon at a ceremony attended by Mayor Brian McMullan, members of City Council, City staff, Bill Maurin, acting president and CEO of Meridian, local area Meridian staff and members of the business community.

"Meridian's investment in our new spectator facility demonstrates confidence in Council's long-term vision and the City's revitalization efforts and future," said Mayor Brian McMullan. "We are thankful for the ongoing support of our business community as we continue to see our downtown transform into a place where people can live, work and play."

Meridian, Ontario's largest credit union, was given the naming rights in recognition of its $5.23 million contribution to the project, to be paid over the next 25 years. The donation by Meridian means the minimum fundraising goal set by Council will likely be exceeded.

"Meridian is proud to have our name attached to this project located right here in St. Catharines, which is also home to Meridian's head office," said Bill Maurin. "We know that the Meridian Centre will attract and create jobs in St. Catharines and help revitalize the downtown core. Once constructed, the Meridian Centre will be enjoyed for generations to come."

This commitment builds on Meridian's strong legacy of supporting local community causes across the Niagara Region, including a $100,000 donation to create the Meridian Room community lounge inside the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Work on the Meridian Centre's steel structure began in August 2013 and will last for several months. In November, pre-cast concrete stairs for the facility's lower-bowl aisles will arrive, while work on the facility's pedestrian bridges will start later this year. The Meridian Centre will be fully enclosed early next spring.

For information on the Meridian Centre visit meridiancentre.ca.

About Meridian
With over 70 years of banking history, Meridian is Ontario's largest credit union, helping to grow the lives of its more than a quarter of a million Members, including over 19,000 business Members. Meridian has $9.9 billion in assets under management and delivers a full range of financial services online, by phone, by mobile and through a network of 64 branches and 7 business centres. Meridian Members also have access to THE EXCHANGE® Network, with more than 2,400 no-fee ABMs across Canada and 340,000 ABMs in the United States. For more information, please visit meridiancu.ca.

About the Meridian Centre
The new downtown multi-purpose facility will be built at 55 McGuire St., formerly known as the lower level parking lot. The facility, with a total project budget of $50 million, will be able to host a range of entertainment and event offerings, including OHL hockey. The Meridian Centre is scheduled to be completed in September 2014.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A complete media kit, including visuals, can be found at: meridiancentre.ca/media.

SOURCE: Meridian Credit Union

Mayor Brian McMullan
905.688.5601 ext. 1540 (office)

Kendra Michael
Manager, Media & Stakeholder Relations
Meridian Credit Union
416.597.4444 ext. 2667 (office)
647.216.3669 (mobile)
[email protected]