Approximately $16.8 million to Enhance St. John’s Infrastructure

Through an investment of almost $16.8 million under the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program, the Dunderdale Government is supporting new municipal infrastructure in the province’s capital city. The total investment, including a contribution by the City of St. John’s, is $35.1 million.

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, outlined details of the allocation today (Monday, September 10) at the site of a new community centre for Southlands. Minister O’Brien was joined by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and the MHA for Ferryland; John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride; Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John’s South; and, Dan Crummell, MHA for St. John’s West.

One of the major projects supported through today’s announcement is a new community centre for Southlands.

“We are pleased to make this significant investment to assist the City of St. John’s in its continued efforts to improve and enhance municipal infrastructure,” said Minister O’Brien. “A new community centre in the Southlands area will be a welcome investment for residents and those living in surrounding areas. This type of investment demonstrates how municipal infrastructure is not only necessary for continued economic prosperity, but it also enhances the social fabric of a city, making it a desired place to live, work and raise a family.”

In addition to the new community centre, funding will also support street rehabilitation, public works depot renovations, sidewalk replacement, retaining wall rehabilitation, bridge rehabilitation, outdoor pool security fencing, East White Hills guide rail, and non-profit housing. Funding is cost-shared, with the Provincial Government providing 50 per cent of the total cost.

The City of St. John’s has approved the city moving forward with the required concept designs for a new Southlands Community Centre. A public meeting has been held with the residents of Southlands to acquire their input into the project. Once the concept designs are completed, council will go back to the public for another consultation process.

“We are very pleased to see the province commit to this two-year infrastructure funding program with the city,” said Mayor O’Keefe. “The City of St. John’s is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and with growth comes increasing pressure on municipal infrastructure, which we hope to continue to address with the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Funding will also support the City in its efforts to upgrade its non-profit housing projects, including exterior upgrades and the installation of heat recovery ventilators in housing units.

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity included $130 million over two years for municipal capital works projects throughout the province. Since 2008, the Provincial Government has invested over $500 million in municipal capital works projects which has resulted in improved municipal infrastructure across the province. These projects have provided municipalities the opportunity to secure, develop and improve infrastructure for residents and support the long-term sustainability of growth and development of communities throughout the province.

- 30 -

Photo: The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced infrastructure funding for the City of St. John's today at the site of a new community centre for Southlands.

Media contacts:

2012 09 10                             10:15 a.m.