May 19, 1999
(Works, Services and Transportation)

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, acting Minister of Works, Services and Transportation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to announce that government will publicly release today the report of Commissioner John Roil, Q.C., who was appointed to review the boundaries of the C.A. Pippy Park.

The public release at this time will provide key stakeholders with an up-front opportunity to make their final views and opinions known on the recommendations and conclusions contained in the report.

The public release will also enable government to determine the level of support prior to a final submission to Cabinet for boundary changes.

It is important to state that no decisions have been taken by government yet with respect to the boundaries of Pippy Park. While there is general support for the direction of the recommendations, government will not make any decisions until the residents and stakeholders have an opportunity to respond to the commissioner's recommendations. Government will also take due care with respect to wetlands in the park.

Stakeholders will be given a period of 30 days to submit their views in writing to the Pippy Park Commission. Copies of the report can be obtained at the Pippy Park Headquarters and stakeholders will also be afforded an opportunity to review the enlarged maps which detail the specific recommendations of Commissioner Roil with respect to proposed changes in the boundaries.

Our objective in conducting the review is to ensure that the integrity of Pippy Park is kept intact and that this attractive area is maintained in the overall best interest of all stakeholders.

For the information of honourable members, I am attaching to my statement, a copy of Commissioner Roil's mandate, a summary of recommendations and conclusions as well as the name and telephone number of the person to contact at Pippy Park for public inquiries.

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INQUIRIES:

C.A. Pippy Park Headquarters
P.O. Box 8861
Mount Scio House
St John's

Tom Hopkins
Chief Operating Officer
(709) 737-3655.

1999 05 19                              3:20 p.m.