The community of Petites to be relocated

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, confirmed today that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will assist the residents of Petites with relocation.

Petites is a community of approximately 11 households on the southwest coast of the province. It is not accessible by road and does not have a scheduled ferry service. In addition, the community does not provide schooling and medical services to its residents.

The residents of Petites have been requesting assistance to relocate for some time. Minister Langdon said: "We will not even consider a request for relocation assistance unless it has virtually unanimous support within the community. We are now satisfied that this is the case in Petites".

The cost of relocating the residents of Petites is estimated at $1.25 million. However, the province will save money with the termination of electrical service to the community. "Relocation initiatives basically pay for themselves over a reasonable period of time. In the case of Petites, the cost of relocation will eventually be offset with the savings achieved by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in terminating electrical service to the community", said the minister.

Minister Langdon will not be providing details on the assistance package until the residents of Petites have been briefed. Within the next week, departmental representatives will travel to the community for this purpose. The minister noted that the relocation of Petites will be similar to the Great Harbour Deep relocation in 2002.

Media contact: Lynn Salter, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2003 07 09                                   4:10 p.m.