Municipal Affairs
February 5, 2009

Consultant to Study Feasibility of Annexing Fox Cove-Mortier to Burin

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, today announced that a consultant, UVH Group, has been retained to conduct a feasibility study of annexing the Town of Fox Cove-Mortier to the Town of Burin.

"The Provincial Government is very supportive of all regionalization efforts," said Minister Whalen. "Whether that means sharing services, amalgamation or in this case, annexation, communities are made stronger when they come together. Certainly Burin is no stranger to regionalization. Just a few years ago they extended their boundary to accept the Town of Port au Bras and in the early 70s, they welcomed Salt Pond, Burin Bay Arm and Salmonier. This feasibility study will now assess the financial and operation impact of annexing Fox Cove-Mortier to Burin."

Conducted in accordance with the Municipalities Act 1999, the study will evaluate the effect of the proposal relative to several criteria including access of the people to elected and appointed officials; simplicity of the proposed municipal structure and acceptance of the proposal at the local level. In addition, the report will assess the infrastructure requirements of the proposed annexation and provide a five-year forecast as to implementing a strategy to provide for those needs. The assessment will also include impacts on revenue, maintenance and operational expenses including long term debt. The report will also give consideration to service delivery to the proposed expanded area and the ability of the Town of Burin to provide these services through its public works department.

The mayors of both communities are supportive of the feasibility study commencing.

"Burin already provides many municipal services to Fox Cove-Mortier, including fire protection," said Fox Cove-Mortier Mayor Wanda Antle. "We are hoping that the study confirms that annexation is a feasible option."

"We are prepared to consider the request from Fox Cove-Mortier provided it does not have a negative impact on the taxpayers of Burin," said Burin Mayor Kevin Lundrigan. "Should the feasibility study support this and if it looks like this arrangement will benefit both towns, we'll work with the Town of Fox Cove-Mortier and the Department of Municipal Affairs on next steps."

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin-Placentia West, also expressed his support for this regionalization effort.

"I am very proud of the municipal leaders of Fox Cove-Mortier for seeing that they could improve services offered to their residents by becoming part of Burin," said Minister Jackman. "In turn, I am proud that the municipal leaders of Burin are open to this possibility. Regionalization can benefit all parties involved and I look forward to the outcome of the consultant's report this spring."

The Provincial Government is very supportive of regional co-operation initiatives that lead to viable, sustainable communities. The Department of Municipal Affairs allocated $1 million in Budget 2008 to facilitate such co-operation initiatives and to date, more than 18 groupings involving over 40 municipalities have expressed interest in exploring such ventures.

UVH group will be conducing a public hearing in both communities to provide residents the opportunity to have input into the process. Details on dates and locations of these sessions will be made available in the near future.

The final report is due to Minister Whalen by March 31, 2009.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498

JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca

2009 02 05                                                    11:00 a.m.


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