SAINT JOHN, N.B. — The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are investing $12 million in sports and recreation infrastructure near Saint John, N.B.

Federal, provincial and municipal representatives were on hand for the announcement of joint federal-provincial funding for construction of the Greater Saint John field house July 5.

The new field house will be the only facility of its kind in Southern New Brunswick, featuring two indoor turfs, a 200-metre indoor track, fitness rooms, multipurpose areas, community spaces and outdoor trails, states a release issued by Infrastructure Canada.

Once complete, it will provide residents of all ages with year-round access to diverse sporting activities and drive economic activity by allowing the region to welcome larger-scale sporting events.

"We are thrilled to see the announcement of this funding to support the development of this field house facility," said Bill MacMackin, president of Greater Saint John Field House Inc., in a statement.

"This project is a community driven initiative which will bring new sporting events to our city and provide new opportunities for sports, recreation, and wellness for the whole Greater Saint John community. With the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick now confirmed, we will be working towards construction starting late this year and our goal of being open for use in the fall of 2019."