Expressions of Interest called for long-term care facility in Corner Brook

Premier Danny Williams, along with Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works and John Ottenheimer, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced that there will be a call for Expressions of Interest for design work on the long-term care facility in Corner Brook.

In May 2005, government announced that property at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College had been identified as the site for the future long-term care facility. The Expressions of Interest will focus on the design work associated with the construction of the facility.

"Prior to being elected as government, we committed to the construction of this much needed facility," said Premier Williams. "As MHA for Humber West, I am extremely pleased to have delivered upon this commitment. This new facility will not only benefit the residents of Corner Brook, but it will help alleviate strain on services for the entire west coast of the province."

The premier also commented on the relationship established with Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. "By partnering with Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, we are exploring opportunities to expand research and teaching in health and preparing for the future of long-term care in our province."

Minister Rideout said: "Now that sites have been selected, government can move forward with the construction of the long-term care and other facilities. In Budget 2005, government announced $2.7 million to proceed with detailed design and initial site work toward a new Corner Brook long-term care home. This was part of a series of strategic investments into other future long-term care facilities. This significant investment demonstrates our government�s commitment to the construction of the long-term care facility."

Calls for Expression of Interest for the nursing home on the Grenfell site were issued on June 1 and will close on June 23. "Government recognizes the need for this facility, and we will be conscientious in our planning and design work. Our government is committed to providing quality infrastructure that will meet the needs of our seniors," said Minister Rideout.

"It is fitting to be moving forward with another step in this project during Seniors' Month, as we recognize and value the contributions made by seniors every day in communities across the province," said Minister Ottenheimer. "The design work is an important step in building a first-class facility and creating an environment that balances the care seniors need with an improved quality of life."

The Expression of Interest is currently available on the government�s Web site at //www.tw.gov.nl.ca/works/. It will also be advertised in The Telegram and The Western Star.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Transportation and Works, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
Carolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 682-5093

2005 06 03                         4:10 p.m.