Municipal Affairs
April 14, 2009

A new youth centre serving the young people of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove will be built in the community with funding provided by the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The building will be located on land currently owned by the municipality near the town centre and existing recreational facilities.

The funding for the new $382,000 facility was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Petty　Harbour-Maddox Cove Mayor Nat Hutchings.

"The new facility will provide broad-based health, fitness, sports and recreational programs for the young people of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove," said Minister Ashfield. "It will increase participation in recreation and sports, and will also provide a social hub for the youth of the community. The Government of Canada�s goal is to keep Atlantic Canada moving forward by investing in projects that improve municipal infrastructure, enhance the quality of life of residents and make everyday life better for all Canadians."

"Through providing a range of recreational, athletic and social activities, this youth centre will be an important addition to the Town of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove," said Minister Whalen. "The Provincial Government is pleased to invest over $217,000 in this worthwhile project."

The need for a youth center was determined from meetings with local youth and from discussions with operators of other existing youth centers in the area. The town estimates there are as many as 300 young people in the area who could benefit from the new youth centre. The center would provide a range of recreational and athletic activities, social events, and skills development activities.

"The youth centre will provide the youth of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove with a place to engage in recreational activities, such as sports, a place to hold meetings, to provide entertainment, and to develop skills," said Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Mayor Nat Hutchings. "As well, the rest of the community would have access to the centre providing a community resource for all citizens. The town will take responsibility for the facility after construction has been completed. The youth, through the active youth committee, will have a role in how it will be used."

The Federal Government will contribute $127,434 towards the project while the Provincial Government will contribute $216,637. The Town of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove will provide $38,230, and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the building once it is constructed.

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2009 04 14                                                          2:00 p.m.