NLIS 2
August 30, 2001
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
 

Minister congratulates the Towns of Burin and Port au Bras on joining services 

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, extended his congratulations today to the Towns of Burin and Port au Bras on their decision to join together to provide a more efficient level of service to residents. In working with the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, the former Town of Port au Bras will be annexed with the Town of Burin and consequently merged as one single municipality.

"I congratulate the municipal councils and citizens of Burin and Port au Bras in working with my department to provide better services to residents of the area. These towns have a history of cooperation and will continue to work together and share in activities of joint community spirit," said Minister Langdon. "This type of cooperation is a model for other communities who would like to improve the services and financial position of their municipality through regional sharing."

Residents of Port au Bras will receive the benefits of better services such as snow clearing and municipal development control. Combined resources will lead to stronger community leadership. Residents of Port au Bras will benefit from a decrease in taxes as part of the Town of Burin, while Burin will gain access to a larger tax base and increased revenues due to cost saving measures. Overall, the social and political environment of the communities will be improved.

Minister Langdon supports the concept of regional sharing and encourages communities to consider cooperating with neighbouring municipalities to improve services.

Media contact: Lynn Hammond, Communications, (709) 729-4250

2001 08 30                                                   3:45 p.m.