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NLIS 1 June 4, 2005 (Municipal and Provincial Affairs) Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility design unveiled at St. John�s City Hall The first images of the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility were presented at St. John�s City Hall today. John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and St. John�s Mayor Andy Wells joined architect Philip Pratt in unveiling the first design sketches of the facility. The Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility will be located on Southside Road and will be completed in early 2008, as the central element of the St. John�s Harbour Project. The multi-phased St. John�s Harbour Project will treat the 120 million litres of raw sewage and storm water run-off that presently enters the harbour every day. The total cost of this project is $93 million shared by all orders of government. "Supporting sustainable infrastructure development in our communities is at the very core of a responsible, modern society," said Minister Godfrey. "The New Deal for Cities and Communities is about establishing a long-term vision of sustainability and forging new relationships among all levels of government. The Government of Canada is pleased not only to be contributing $31 million from our strategic infrastructure fund toward this important project, but to working together with all orders of government on this initiative which will enhance the environment and quality of life for the residents in this region." Minister Jack Byrne was pleased to see the harbour project moving forward on schedule and again confirmed that the provincial government is committed to see the project through to the end. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting our environment and ensuring the health of our residents. This project will be beneficial to both residents and visitors alike. This government is pleased to contribute $31 million to this very worthwhile and important project." In describing his choice of design, Mr. Pratt said he wanted the main feature of his design to show a respect for the natural environment of the site and reflect the industrial history of the area. Mr. Pratt pointed out that Riverhead was an area in St. John�s that extended along the Waterford River from Mill Bridge to the mouth of St. John�s Harbour. The area once contained notable structures such as St. Mary�s Church, the Riverhead Hospital (in the 1800s), Long�s Bridge and a multitude of mercantile premises. Merchants with premises on the Riverhead gradually filled in the Waterford River to get more land for their operations. The construction of the Railway Station in 1902-03 completed the fill in. "I wish to thank the federal and provincial governments and the municipalities of Mount Pearl and Paradise for their commitment to this major project and for their continued support as partners in one of the most important environmental initiatives undertaken by the City of St. John�s" said Mayor Andy Wells. The City of St. John�s felt that it was important for the name of the new wastewater treatment facility to reflect the history of this area. St. John�s City Council approved the name for the new treatment facility at the special meeting of Council on March 21, 2005. Media contact: Doug Burgess, ACOA-NL, (709) 772-2935 Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Municipal and Provincial Affairs, (709) 729-1983, 682-6593 Gerri King, City of St. John�s, (709) 576-8613 Infrastructure Canada, Communications and Promotion, (613) 948-1148 2005 06 04 3:00 p.m. |
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