Minister responds to Ferryland road issue

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Acting), responded to protests from land owners regarding the price paid for expropriated land in Ferryland. The land is needed to build a new road to the lighthouse, thereby allowing further archaeological excavation for the Colony of Avalon, under the existing road.

Of the nine landowners from whom land was acquired, five have not yet accepted the offer made by government, and are seeking a higher price. On November 6 one of the affected landowners attempted to block access to the site when the construction team arrived.

"The price offered by government was based directly on an independent professional appraisal of the land in question," said Minister Kelly. "The standards applied by the appraiser recognized the commercial and tourism nature of the immediate area, along with other market and location criteria. These standards were applied so that the fairest possible prices could be offered to the affected landowners."

Each financial offer was also based on objective standards such as size of land parcel, access to a right-of-way, proximity to water and sewer on a main road and ocean frontage with development potential. Therefore, some landowners were offered higher prices than others. This situation is a normal outcome of the appraisal process which is based on the characteristics of the land parcels, which are found in all communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Individual landowners who do not agree with the price being offered have the option of obtaining a second appraisal, paid for by government, and are permitted to have the matter referred to the Public Utilities Board for final resolution.

"We are confident that this has been a very fair process," added Minister Kelly. "The landowners have other avenues of appeal still open to them, so it is puzzling why one of the landowners would protest the road construction at this time. Government cannot increase the offer to them based on threats, and they should work within the procedures available to them to resolve their concerns.

"The government's actions here are focused on enabling the expansion of the archaeological dig at Ferryland. This dig at the Colony of Avalon is one of the best tourism attractions in the province, drawing nearly 16,000 visitors annually and providing between 50 and 90 jobs at the site. Construction on the relocated road must commence at this time, so that work can be completed before the winter freeze-up. This will enable the archaeologists to begin work under the existing road to uncover what is believed to be �Lord Baltimore�s Mansion� next summer."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 11 07 9:15 a.m.