NLIS 5
February 13, 2004
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

 

 Community of Big Brook to be relocated

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, announced today that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will assist in relocating the residents of Big Brook. The cost of the relocation is estimated to be at $350,000.

Big Brook has three households with 10 permanent residents, three of whom are school-age children. It is located at the end of a 16-kilometre gravel road on the Northern Peninsula. There is no school, medical clinic or church and the school children are bussed 28 kilometres to the school in Cook�s Harbour.

"The relocation of Big Brook came after a great deal of analysis and consideration," said Minister Byrne. "All the residents wanted to make this move to improve access to education, health care, employment opportunities and other amenities. In considering this relocation, government also took into account the residents� social quality of life. For instance, during adverse winter weather, road blockages at home caused the children to miss an excessive amount of time from school."

"Over the past two or three years I have had a great deal of contact from the residents of Big Brook regarding the possibility of relocation," said Minister Trevor Taylor, MHA for the Straits and White Bay North. "It has been an active file in government discussions and I am glad that the government is now able to assist the residents in their quest to achieve better access to services."

The province will save approximately $122,000 annually by discontinuing road maintenance, bus service and by terminating Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro service. Government expects to recoup the cost within three years.

"We do not believe in forcing relocation," said Minister Byrne. "Government is committed to rural Newfoundland and Labrador and we will not look into relocations unless the residents want it and it is cost-effective."

The relocation of Big Brook will be similar to those of Great Harbour Deep and Petites.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983

2004 02 13                                        3:35 p.m.


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