Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Municipal Affairs
September 9, 2016

Burin Peninsula Facilities Receive Funds

Government Investments Support Cultural Tourism and Infrastructure Upgrades in the Marystown Area

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recently announced investments in two Burin Peninsula cultural tourism facilities and an arena during an event at St. Gabriel’s Hall in Marystown. The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with Mark Browne, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, announced funding for projects with the Marystown Heritage Museum Corporation, the Little Bay Heritage Centre, and the Kaetlyn Osmond arena.

The Government of Canada is investing $37,487 through ACOA’s Business Development Program, and the provincial government is contributing $30,671 from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development to engage a consulting firm to complete a building assessment, interpretive framework, and schematic interpretive design for the Marystown Heritage Museum and the Jerome Walsh heritage site. This will provide the museum with various options for interpretation of the sites based on a review of the facilities.

The Government of Canada will also invest $9,250 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), and the provincial government has provided $10,000 from the Department of Municipal Affairs’ Community Enhancement Employment Program,for interior and exterior renovations at the Little Bay Heritage Centre. The upgrades include roof repairs, drywall and painting, and plumbing.

The Government of Canada has also approved an investment of $60,700 through the CIP 150 for the Town of Marystown to upgrade the Kaetlyn Osmond Arena, a recreational asset that serves the Town of Marystown and several surrounding communities. The project will involve improvements and renovations to heavy traffic areas, change rooms and shower rooms as well as upgrading of the lighting system. The provincial government recently contributed $94,300 to upgrade the sprinkler system in the facility.

Furthermore, the Government of Canada recently allocated $70 million under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund towards 142 water, wastewater and public transit projects in more than 100 communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding, provided through Infrastructure Canada, ensures that shovel-worthy projects can proceed without delay. The provincial government has contributed an additional $44 million through the program.

Under this fund, the Town of Marystown is receiving $687,020 for water and sewer upgrades for Greenwood Street Extension - Creston Blvd, and water main replacement for Greenwood Street in the amount of $243,971. The provincial contribution for both these projects totals $558,520. The Town of Parker’s Cove is receiving $184,982 for sewer main replacement which includes the removal and replacement of approximately 210m of sewer main and related services. The provincial contribution is $147,986. The Town of Terrenceville is also receiving $247,379 for the installation of water and sewer services on Main Drive. The provincial government is providing $197,877 towards the project.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada recognizes that enhancing business, tourism and community initiatives through public investments like these are the best way to spur economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. Through these strategic investments, communities in the Marystown and Little Bay areas are enhancing their cultural and recreational facilities and municipal infrastructure to further develop their competitive regional advantages.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Government of Canada believes the economy is the number one priority and, in order to advance this country’s growth agenda, investments are needed in local communities such as Marystown and Little Bay. I am pleased to announce these investments today to help ensure the Burin Peninsula continues to build upon and improve its rich and diverse cultural tourism and recreational offerings, as well as its basic community infrastructure.”
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and MP for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s history is a source of pride and also an invaluable resource that we cherish and work very hard to protect. As a government, we are committed to our heritage and we invest significantly in the sector. We are pleased to support the Marystown Heritage-Museum Corporation and their efforts to preserve the town’s own cultural heritage as this important work will lead to the enhancement of the visitors experience at the Marystown Museum and the Jerome Walsh site.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

“The renovations to the Little Bay Heritage Centre; upgrades to the sprinkler system at the Kaetlyn Osmond Arena, and ongoing water and sewer work being undertaken through the cost-shared Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, are examples of Provincial Government investments in community infrastructure that meet the needs of people in Marystown and surrounding areas. Our government is committed to helping municipalities complete priority infrastructure projects that contribute to the economy and enhance the day-to-day lives of residents.”
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs

"Marystown has a proud and rich heritage which has been preserved and passed on from generation to generation by dedicated volunteers of both the Marystown Museum, the Walsh Family, and of the Little Bay Heritage Centre. I thank them for their tireless efforts and I am very pleased to have secured this funding to further enhance our cultural preservation. I am also pleased to see investments in the area’s infrastructure which will result in improvements in water and sewer as well as provide upgrades to the Kaetlyn Osmond Arena that will enable residents to continue using the facility."
- Mark Browne, MHA for Placentia West - Bellevue

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Media contacts:

Paul McGrath Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-772-2984 paul.mcgrath@canada.ca	Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca	Nathan Downey Communications Officer Government Members Office 709-729-3226 nathandowney@gov.nl.ca

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