Executive Council
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
August 12, 2011

Town of Marystown Receives an Additional $543,000 to Attract Commercial and Industrial Developments

The Town of Marystown has secured $543,000 from the Provincial Government for initiatives focused on attracting new commercial and industrial developments. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today at the Marystown Town Hall. The Premier was joined by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Burin - Placentia West; the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and MHA for Grand Bank; Sam Synard, Mayor of Marystown, and members of the business community.

Of the total investment, $518,000 is being committed to the continued development of the marine industrial park in Mortier Bay, as well as to initiate a marketing program. This brings the Provincial Government’s total investment in the initiative to more than $1.1 million. The remaining $25,000 will help the town establish a plan that outlines how green energy strategies can be incorporated into future business endeavours.

“These are incredibly exciting ventures for the Town of Marystown that will advance its ability to attract new commercial and industrial developments to the area,” said Premier Dunderdale. “With added capacity at the marine industrial park, the town is better equipped to capitalize on the significant opportunities attached to servicing the oil and gas sector. Investments in infrastructure, such as the $1 million provided for this marine industrial park, serve as a cornerstone to attract investment and grow rural communities.”

Minister Sullivan echoed the Premier’s sentiments and added these initiatives will have a significant economic impact on the region.

“In collaboration with the Town of Marystown, the Provincial Government views the continued development of the marine industrial park as a key piece of infrastructure in advancing the local industrial and marine sectors,” said Minister Sullivan. “It will also help generate new business and economic activity in the community and surrounding region. I would additionally like to acknowledge the vision of the town in recognizing the value of improving energy efficiency and implementing green initiatives.”

Minister Jackman believes that the investment builds on the region’s strategic attributes and welcomes future opportunities with the marine industrial park.

“This is a welcomed announcement for the Town of Marystown and the surrounding areas that will see a continued commitment from this Provincial Government toward the marine industrial park,” said Minister Jackman. “The marine industrial park will attract new businesses to the Burin Peninsula, creating new jobs and new opportunities. By continuing to work with our community partners, we can utilize a highly-skilled workforce and Mortier Bay – one of the most sheltered, deep water ports in Atlantic Canada and quite possibly North America’s east coast – to harness future opportunities for the region.”

The 20-site industrial park includes hydro, water, and sewer services complete with sewage treatment, outfall, and asphalt to the entire industrial park, as well as sub-grade road construction to the marginal wharf site. With the latest investment by the Provincial Government, the town will construct a substantial lay down area, which will be used for temporary storage of equipment and supplies.

“The town council is appreciative of the Provincial Government’s investment in the marine industrial park,” said Mayor Synard. “With the support of the Provincial Government this project is able to move ahead with the tripartite support from all levels of government. The park will position this region to play an even stronger role in the future of offshore oil and marine-related opportunities.”

Mayor Synard is also confident that the Town of Marystown’s green initiatives will enable it to be a leading municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The Town of Marystown is regarded as being ahead of the curve when it comes to green activities,” said Mayor Synard. “In the past we have partnered with the Provincial and Federal Governments to pilot initiatives for wastewater treatment. The Town of Marystown will continue to lead the way in green infrastructure and we welcome the Provincial Government’s involvement in assisting Marystown become a model community for such practices.”

These initiatives were funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. This program through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador has $5 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the program provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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2011 08 12                     9:15 a.m.