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Municipal Affairs
October 17, 2009

Renews-Cappahayden to Upgrade Regina Mundi Complex

The Town of Renews-Cappahayden will undertake extensive renovations to the Regina Mundi Complex in Renews to create a facility that will focus on cultural development and tourism activities. The building will be renovated with funding provided by the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government through the Canada � Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).

Funding for the $287,000 project was announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister of the Atlantic Gateway, and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador; and Keith Hutchings, MHA for the District of Ferryland, on behalf of the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Donna Dinn, chairperson of the Regina Mundi Building Committee.

"One of the objectives of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is to construct, restore or improve public arts and heritage infrastructure to assist communities preserve, develop and promote their culture and heritage," said Minister MacKay. "Through our investment we are helping the community improve their cultural infrastructure and create economic opportunities in tourism."

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to making investments to strengthen municipal infrastructure and ensure that residents have access to services which will enhance their communities," said Mr. Hutchings. "Once the renovations are complete, the Regina Mundi Complex will provide a wonderful venue for a variety of groups and support numerous arts and community activities."

The project will be administered by the Regina Mundi Building Committee and will feature upgrades to the heating, plumbing, ventilation, and electrical systems; a new ceiling for the gymnasium; kitchen renovations; and washroom upgrades to allow for accessibility for disabled people.

The Regina Mundi Complex served as the local parish centre for the Renews-Cappahayden area for many years. Built in 1962, it was operated as a school until 1989, and through this project will continue to be used by a number of community groups for meetings and as a performance venue.

"Renews is one of the oldest communities in the province," said Donna Dinn, Mayor of Renews-Cappahayden and chairperson of the Regina Mundi Building Committee. "The Regina Mundi Complex is adjacent to the Grotto associated with the church, and preliminary archeological work indicates that there was a planters station nearby, so there is a lot of history associated with this area, and we believe there is great potential to increase tourism traffic."

The community is also well-positioned because of its proximity to the end of the developed portion of the East Coast Trail. The southern 220 km portion of the developed trail starts at Fort Amherst in St. John�s and ends at Renews-Cappahayden, with plans to extend the trail further along the southern shore.

The Federal Government will contribute $95,640 towards the project while the

Provincial Government will contribute $162,587. The Town of Renews-Cappahayden will provide $28,692.

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Keith Hutchings, MHA for the District of Ferryland
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-1390
keithhutchings@gov.nl.ca
Mayor Donna Dinn
Town of Renews-Cappahayden
and Chairperson, Regina Mundi Building Committee
709-363-2177

2009 10 17                                                 1:25 p.m.
 


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