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Municipal Affairs
August 31, 2011

Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments Commit Over $20 Million for
Recreation Facilities on North Coast of Labrador

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, was joined in Hopedale today by Nunatsiavut President Jim Lyall to announce $20.7 million to construct recreation facilities in Makkovik and Hopedale. The Provincial Government will contribute $12.7 million and the Nunatsiavut Government will contribute $8 million to these projects. This funding coincides with the $50.6 million which was announced today by the Provincial Government for recreation facilities in Conception Bay South, Paradise, Harbour Grace and Marystown.

Minister O’Brien and President Lyall were joined at the announcement by the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and MHA for Torngat Mountains; AngajukKâk Herb Jacque of the Makkovik Inuit Community Government; and, AngajukKâk Wayne Piercey of the Hopedale Inuit Community Government.

“The north coast of Labrador is a growing region and our government is pleased to partner with the Nunatsiavut Government to bring these important facilities to residents,” said Minister O’Brien. “These new recreation facilities will have immeasurable impacts upon the health and lifestyle of residents. Our continued infrastructure investment also encourages economic growth, helping to create jobs and prosperity.”

The Makkovik arena will be 2,520 square metres and include an ice surface, change rooms with washrooms and showers, officials’ room, ice-resurfacer room, a first-aid room and public washrooms. It will also include facility support spaces such as an office and storage rooms along with a canteen.

The Hopedale multi-purpose centre will be approximately 1,200 square metres and include recreation space, a community kitchen and a storage and freezer room to support community gatherings. A radio room, library resource room, a meeting room and space for elders will also be included. The centre will have a locker area, washrooms and facility office space.

“Shortly after being elected as President in May 2008 I approached the Tasiujatsoak Trust and was able to secure a total of $20 million for recreational facilities for the five Labrador Inuit communities,” noted President Lyall. “Today’s announcement is just the beginning as we strive to build healthier communities within Nunatsiavut. These new facilities will become focal points in their respective communities and improve the quality of life for all residents. I want to thank the Tasiujatsoak Trust, as well as the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – particularly Minister Pottle – for ensuring today’s announcement is possible.”

The Tasiujatsoak Trust was established in 2003 as part of the Voisey’s Bay Impact and Benefits Agreement.

“I am so pleased to see the continued investment in our north coast communities and I look forward to these facilities being opened and enjoyed by all residents of the region, in particular our youth,” said Minister Pottle. “Both Hopedale and Makkovik are thriving communities with many families and children and these recreation facilities will bring many benefits to their lives.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador includes $140.8 million for new and ongoing municipal infrastructure projects.

Following the principles of the Provincial Government’s Energy Plan, the facilities will be designed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver rating for energy usage and conservation. The Nunatsiavut Government will oversee construction and the Inuit Community Governments of Makkovik and Hopedale will be responsible for maintenance and operation of the facilities once open.

Along with these investments on the north coast, the Provincial Government has allocated significant resources to encourage residents to participate in active and healthy lifestyles and recognizes the importance of recreational infrastructure. In addition to funding for municipal infrastructure projects, Budget 2011 includes $11.5 million to support recreation and sport throughout the province. Since the launch of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.

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Media contacts:

Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582, 899-0004
bert_pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com 
Donna Stokes
Executive Assistant to the
Honourable Patty Pottle
MHA for Torngat Mountains
709-729-2243
dstokes@gov.nl.ca
 

2011 08 31                                                                      5:25 p.m.

 
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