Municipal Affairs
September 28, 2012

$4.4 Million Boost for Corner Brook Municipal Infrastructure

The Dunderdale Government is continuing its unprecedented support for municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with an infusion of $2.9 million in Provincial Government funding through the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program. The total investment in municipal infrastructure, including a contribution by the City of Corner Brook, is over $4.4 million.

“I am pleased to provide our government’s support for municipalities throughout our province through significant investments for new municipal infrastructure,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Projects such as upgrades to the Pepsi Centre, water and sewer upgrades and road improvements in Corner Brook, along with significant infrastructure our government has already invested in – such as a new city hall, long term care facility and water treatment facility – further our government’s vision for this vibrant city.”

Minister O’Brien outlined details of the allocation today at Corner Brook City Hall. The minister was joined by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and MHA for Humber East, and Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West.

“I am pleased with this investment which will assist the City of Corner Brook in addressing their municipal infrastructure priorities,” said Minister Marshall. “Today’s announcement continues to demonstrate our government’s commitment to improving municipal infrastructure throughout the province.”

Funding will support upgrades to the Pepsi Centre, including roof repairs; replacement of the recreation building on Wellington Street; engineering and design work for a new public works depot; and upgrades to Bartlett’s Point Day Park. In addition, the investment will support upgrades to water and sewer systems, and resurfacing and repairs to various roads in the city.

“The City of Corner Brook continues to grow and improve because of infrastructure investments that help to improve the quality of life for everyone,” said Mr. Granter. “Our government continues its commitment to work with municipalities and the city to make these improvements possible.”

Funding is cost-shared based on population, with the Provincial Government providing 70 per cent of the total cost.

“Contribution to capital works remains a high priority for council, in meeting the needs of our city,” said Neville Greeley, Mayor of Corner Brook. “The multi-year capital works budget will enable us to carry on with projects critical to the needs of our residents and allows us to set the agenda for future work. We are very excited that funding is being allocated to carry out improvements to recreational facilities including the Pepsi Centre Annex and replacement of the Lions Recreation Centre.”

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.

The Provincial Government has also maintained improved cost-shared funding ratios established in 2008 to benefit municipalities. For communities with populations below 3,000, the Provincial Government will continue to invest 90 per cent of the cost of new infrastructure with the municipality providing 10 per cent; 80 per cent of the cost will continue to be covered for populations between 3,000 and 7,000; and 70 per cent of the cost will continue to be covered for municipalities with populations over 7,000.

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Photo: The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced infrastructure funding today at Corner Brook City Hall. (L-R) Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West; Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and MHA for Humber East; Neville Greeley, Mayor of Corner Brook; Minister O’Brien. (September 28, 2012).

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2012 09 28                               2:30 p.m.