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Executive Council Municipal Affairs July 4, 2007
Corner Brook Area to Get $36-Million
Water Treatment Plant The City of Corner Brook is getting a new $36 million water treatment plant, announced today by Canada�s New Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the City of Corner Brook. The three-way funding commitment was announced by the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jack Byrne Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Charles Pender, Mayor of Corner Brook. The federal government, the province and the municipality will each contribute up to $12 million towards the project. "Access to clean and safe drinking water is vital to all Canadians," said Minister Hearn. "Canada�s New Government is working closely with our provincial and municipal partners to help ensure that the residents of Corner Brook and the surrounding area have reliable access to clean drinking water. This project will also help the environment by reducing water loss and improving the efficiency of plant operations." "This investment in the water treatment plant will secure water system operations for Corner Brook, and ensure that access to safe drinking water is sustainable for present and future generations," said Minister Marshall. "We are pleased to support this infrastructure initiative which will strengthen services for residents of Corner Brook, Massey Drive and Mount Moriah. Access to clean, reliable drinking water is extremely important and improvements to the water treatment plant will ensure that residents have access to a healthy water supply." "Today�s announcement is great news for the City of Corner Brook and represents a significant step toward our goal of making our city a safer, healthier, sustainable community," said Mayor Pender. "An enhanced water treatment facility has been a major goal of our city for over a decade. "The ability to provide clean, safe drinking water is essential for any municipality, and we are extremely pleased to see this project move forward. As Mayor, I also want to acknowledge the great level of cooperation and support we have received from both the federal and provincial governments in making this project a reality." The project involves the construction of a centralized water treatment facility, a water storage reservoir, transmission mains, and a pumping facility. Once operational, the level of water treatment will comply with federal regulations and guidelines for drinking water, providing residents of Corner Brook, Massey Drive and Mount Moriah with reliable and safe drinking water. "Public infrastructure is the backbone of communities across the province and country," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Canada's New Government recognizes the importance of infrastructure to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and to all Canadians, and that is why we are committed to supporting this important infrastructure project for the benefit of the residents of Corner Brook." "The new water treatment facility is yet another example of a positive infrastructure initiative that supports the renewal of the Corner Brook region," said Premier Danny Williams, who was unable to attend today�s announcement due to a previous provincial commitment. "Sound infrastructure is fundamental to sustainable economic growth and our government continues to make investments to strengthen services for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The province will invest an unprecedented $440 million in infrastructure this year, generating an estimated 5,700 person-years of employment." The federal contribution is provided through the existing Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), which supports large-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen areas vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing quality of life for Canadians. Financial support is conditional on meeting applicable federal and provincial requirements, including the successful completion of environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the successful negotiation of a contribution agreement. The federal Budget 2007 outlines a long-term infrastructure plan that will provide an historic $33 billion over seven years to support a growing economy, a clean environment and more prosperous communities. The plan will encourage decisive action by all levels of government on things that matter most to Canadians, including clean drinking water, efficient public transit, better roads and innovative sources of green energy. The provincial Budget 2007 includes $50.4 million for various municipal capital works commitments and an investment of $440 million from the six year, two billion dollar program to modernize infrastructure throughout the province. Along with funding for the Corner Brook Water Treatment Plant project, the Corner Brook region will receive provincial infrastructure funding to continue work on the new long-term care facility, Herdman Collegiate, the new court house, the new addictions treatment centre, the new regional Newfoundland and Labrador Housing office, an academic building and new residences at Grenfell College and improved road infrastructure. - 30 - Media contacts:
2007 07 04 3:00 p.m.
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