The Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced that the regional plan will be prepared for the Corner Brook-Humber Valley region encompassing the areas from Corner Brook to Deer Lake, including Cormack, Reidville and Massey Drive. "This advisory authority will comprise municipal and Provincial Government representatives, and will lead the preparation of the Corner Brook-Humber Valley regional plan to control development in unincorporated areas," said Minister Byrne. "A regional plan will provide a land use planning framework to balance the demand for development with natural resource uses, and the need to protect and enhance tourism potential."

The 14-person advisory authority will consist of representatives from seven municipalities in the area, and seven representatives from Provincial Government departments. The appointments have been made in accordance with section nine of the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000.

The committee will report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and has been identified as:

• Municipal representatives: Warrick Hewitt, Town of Cormack; Tom Humphrey, Town of Steady Brook; Darryl Kelly, Town of Deer Lake; Louie MacDonald, Town of Reidville; Bob Mercer, Town of Pasadena; Charles Pender, City of Corner Brook; Holly Walsh, Town of Massey Drive.
• Provincial Government representatives: Reginald Garland, Department of Environment and Conservation (Lands); Bert Frampton, Department of Natural Resources (Forestry); Randy Ricketts, Department of Natural Resources (Agrifoods); Rick Curran, Department of Government Services; Elaine Mitchell, Department of Municipal Affairs; Paula Dawe, Department of Environment and Conservation (Water); Dan Chaisson, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Outdoor Product Development).

The mandate of the advisory authority will be to review and provide recommendations regarding development applications in areas outside of municipal jurisdiction, and oversee the preparation of a regional plan for the Corner Brook-Humber Valley Regional Planning Area including the development of an appropriate public consultation process.

"We recognize the concerns that have been raised by municipalities, residents, and industry and are committed to establishing a framework to ensure that proper development plans are in place so the Corner Brook-Humber Valley region is developed and managed in an organized and responsible manner," added Minister Byrne.

-30-

Media contact:

2007 06 28                                                  10:40 a.m.