Bonavista South to receive $325,000 through Community Enhancement Program

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA Roger Fitzgerald today announced Community Enhancement Program funding totaling $325,000 for the District of Bonavista South.

�The community enhancement funding investment for Bonavista South represents a significant provincial commitment to provide work opportunities to improve community infrastructure including historic and tourism sites,� stated Minister Byrne. �We remain committed to provide funding within our means to fairly represent the need of residents from all parts of the province who are looking for additional work hours this year.�

Proposals approved for the District of Bonavista South include:

• $30,000 to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #7 for painting and minor repairs to lodge;
• $15,000 to Sweet Bay Improvement Committee to enhance community park areas;
• $15,000 to Get Active Committee to develop recreation centre and trail;
• $15,000 to Kirby Hall Inc. to support repairs to school and stage;
• $15,000 to Winter Brook Social Committee to upgrade the community wharf;
• $20,000 to Matthew Legacy Incorporated for renovations to Legacy Building;
• $10,000 to Catholic Women�s Association for brush cutting, landscaping, painting and clean-up;
• $10,000 to Keels Community Council for renovations to pump house and Anglican Hall;
• $10,000 to Plate Cove Fire Department for repairs and renovations to fire hall;
• $30,000 to Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation Inc. for restoration of Union Electric Light and Power Co.;
• $15,000 to Bonavista Lions Club for club renovations;
• $25,000 to Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation in support of the relocation of Thomas Mouland House;
• $30,000 to Trinity Bay North to construct a gabion retaining wall;
• $45,000 to Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation to install fence around heritage structures;
• $25,000 increase to Matthew Legacy Inc. for renovations to Legacy Building;
• $15,000 to Tourism Elliston Inc. for construction and maintenance of root cellars.

"$325,000 is a tremendous investment in community infrastructure in my district of Bonavista South," said Mr. Fitzgerald. "The various sponsors have already been notified, and work on most of the projects has already commenced. Once these projects have been completed, they, collectively, will enhance the community infrastructure and help to support some very worthwhile tourism initiatives within the district."
The Community Enhancement Program is a targeted employment creation program administered by the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. The province has increased the budget for the 2005-06 program from $4.25 million dollars to $6 million to assist with the difficulties in achieving employment hours throughout the province. Additional information on the Community Enhancement Program can be found on //www.gov.nl.ca/mpa/enhancement/.

Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 690-2498 or heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2005 11 08                                11:25 a.m.