Executive Council
February 13, 2017

Supporting Communities in Labrador

Premier Announces Investments for Happy Valley-Goose Bay

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced funding for a number of projects in Happy Valley-Goose Bay that are also being supported by the Federal Government. Premier Ball was joined at the announcement by Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

This announcement supports a range of community infrastructure projects for upgrades, repairs and equipment to enhance local facilities and outdoor amenities in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These investments will benefit local residents and help advance the Labrador region’s tourism industry.

The Provincial Government is contributing approximately $500,000 for four projects which include:

• $399,000 to assist the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to upgrade the Kinsmen Park with a concrete splash pad and holding tank, as well as mechanical, electrical and drainage systems.
• $55,000 for the Governing Council of the Salvation Army in Canada to upgrade the existing kitchen facility at its Happy Valley-Goose Bay location to an industrial kitchen.
• $29,000 for the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc. to enhance an existing shooting range.
• Approximately $17,000 for the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club to upgrade its trail system, clubhouse and parking area.

The Government of Canada is contributing a total of $557,288 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) to the projects listed above as well as investing in the Labrador Friendship Centre, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 51 and the Grand River Snowmobile Club.

More information on these projects can be found in the backgrounder below.

CIP 150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA.

Quotes

“Our government is focused on making Newfoundland and Labrador a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living. As part of our vision as outlined in The Way Forward, we must support the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our investments in these projects deliver on those commitments by providing Labradorians greater opportunity to pursue physical activity and a healthier lifestyle.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Through CIP 150, the Government of Canada provides support for local infrastructure projects that will help improve communities such as Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The investments announced today will enable the Labrador region to restore and upgrade several key community facilities, as well as outdoor spaces that bring residents together and enhance tourism growth.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The central Labrador region is fortunate to have a strong base of community organizations and volunteers that work hard to offer residents quality recreational activities and amenities. The projects announced today will help strengthen and enhance a number of important pieces of community infrastructure that residents in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the surrounding area can enjoy for years to come.”
- Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

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Media contacts:

Michelle Cannizzaro Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

Paul McGrath Director, Communications ACOA NL 709-772-2984 Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Details on projects receiving funding through an announcement in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on February 11, 2017.

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is using a $180,430 investment from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) and $507,077 cost shared with the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs to upgrade the Kinsmen Park with a concrete splash pad and holding tank, as well as mechanical, electrical and drainage systems. The project also includes trail development, general landscaping and upgrades to an existing bike trail. In addition, the town received $61,429 through CIP 150 to enhance several playgrounds in the community.

The Labrador Friendship Centre is receiving a $99,092 investment from the CIP 150 to improve its existing building in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with repairs to the roof and upgrades to the ventilation system and attic insulation. These enhancements will enable the organization to continue to offer programs and services related to Aboriginal leadership skills and the promotion, creation and preservation of Aboriginal art.

The Governing Council of the Salvation Army in Canada (on behalf of the Salvation Army Happy Valley- Goose Bay Corps) is receiving $95,174 through the CIP 150 and $55,000 from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation to upgrade the existing kitchen facility at its Happy Valley-Goose Bay location to an industrial kitchen. The organization will purchase equipment and make leasehold improvements to support its community outreach initiatives.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 51 received a $91,227 investment from the CIP 150 to upgrade the kitchen within its facility. The upgrades provide an improved space for veterans and seniors who use the facility and will also benefit residents who book the venue for weddings, community gatherings and other events.

The Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc. received a $50,583 investment from the CIP 150 and $29,013 from the provincial Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development to enhance an existing shooting range. The improvements will enable the organization to host regional and Atlantic competitions and will benefit numerous organizations in Central Labrador that use the shooting range.

Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club received a $33,873 CIP 150 investment and $16,936 from the provincial Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development to upgrade its trail system, clubhouse and parking area. These enhancements support tourism development in the area by offering a higher quality attraction to visitors.

Grand River Snowmobile Club is using a $6,909 CIP 150 investment to upgrade its existing storage and club facility. The improvements are expected to benefit residents and support enhancement of the local tourism industry.

2017 02 13                              10:00 a.m.