NLIS 3
March 28, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Minister provides details of
building demolitions
Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and
Works, today provided details about the $5.4 million allocated in Budget 2005
for the demolition of buildings. The buildings involved are the Grace Hospital
in St. John�s, the former College of the North Atlantic (CNA) campus on Topsail
Road in St John�s, the Old Mill Building near Come by Chance and the former
cottage hospital in Harbour Breton.
Minister Rideout said, "With the allocation in Budget 2005, government plans to
demolish a portion of the former Grace Hospital building. We plan to first do
environmental remediation of the 1920s and 1950s portions of the Grace. This
includes removing asbestos. We will then carry out a demolition of these
portions of the building. By doing this, we eliminate the heating costs
associated with the structure.
"The future of the remaining portion of the Grace is still under review.
Government is consulting with affected stakeholders and details will be
announced as they become available."
The former CNA campus is a facility that is part of a larger block of land owned
by government. The building contains asbestos and mold. "Once the asbestos and
mold are removed, we plan to demolish this structure," said the minister.
Government will also demolish the Old Mill Building near Come By Chance.
Minister Rideout said, "In the past, government has received requests from the
Town of Come By Chance regarding their concerns with the facility and public
safety. Government has heard their concerns and is responding accordingly."
Government will also demolish the former cottage hospital in Harbour Breton.
That town has also cited concerns with the safety of the public. "There is some
asbestos and lead paint that will be removed, prior to demolition," said the
minister.
"The buildings, or portions of buildings, that will be demolished are not
economically viable for re-use," said Minister Rideout. "In demolishing these
structures, the safety of the general public and the protection of our
environment is of utmost priority for our government. We will continue to
address these concerns."
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
2005 03 28
12:25 p.m. |