A former St. Stephen resident has stepped up to support the restoration of the World’s Oldest Basketball Court.
Bruce Buchanan donated $3 million to the fundraising efforts, which will revitalize the building and create an experiential centre on King Street.
“I thought, well, this is a great cause and I’d like to help,” Buchanan said, speaking with The Courier.
He and his family lived across the street from David Ganong, the chairman of the board and former president of Ganong Bros., Canada’s oldest chocolate manufacturers.
Ganong is also a member of the board for the World’s Oldest Basketball Court.
Buchanan said he has been watching the project for some time.
“I’m really happy that I came from St. Stephen and I’ve had a successful life and I’d like to give back to the community that was my home,” he said.
He said his grandfather and father, Walter and Norman, were both community builders and he wanted to continue that tradition.
“I’m a proud son of St. Stephen,” he said.
The proposed $18-million Canada First Basketball Experience Centre was designed by CambridgeSeven.
Buchanan’s contribution adds to several others made this year. Organizers announced more than $1.7 million in new commitments in 2026.
Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna and Bob Quartermain each pledged $250,000. The provincial government also committed $431,000, which was matched by the federal government.
Buchanan’s donation is expected to accelerate the project’s completion. According to the organization, it also strengthens its ability to seek more government funding.
“This is much more than a financial contribution,” David Ganong, board member of the World’s Oldest Basketball Court, said. “Bruce Buchanan’s generosity reflects a deep connection to his hometown and a belief in the importance of preserving St. Stephen’s basketball heritage while creating a destination that can contribute to the community’s future.”
Ganong said Buchanan’s donation is an example of what people who are from this community can do when they want to invest in the future.
This year, the organization hosted Canada Basketball’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The ceremony is expected to return to Charlotte County in 2028.
