Construction will begin this fall on
the new College of the North Atlantic campus in Labrador
City. With a Provincial Government investment of $14.5
million, topped up with $7.65 million from the Federal
Government under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program
(KIP), students all over Labrador West will soon have
access to a modern training facility.
"This new multi-million dollar
facility in Labrador West is an example of the many
investments the Provincial Government is making to
ensure students in this province have the highest
quality learning opportunities," said the Honourable
Darin King, Minister of Education. "Skilled trade
workers continue to be in demand in our province. This
new facility will help meet that demand and contribute
to the success of such projects as Hebron and the Lower
Churchill. This is great boost for Labrador and for the
province overall."
"This Government of Canada investment
in the College of the North Atlantic will provide a
significant short-term economic stimulus to Labrador
West and will create jobs in the region," said the
Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and
Technology). "Our government is investing in innovation
to create jobs, to help our economy recover quickly and
to improve the quality of life for Canadians."
The tender for design and construction
of the new facility has been awarded to Colby
Management. The building will accommodate 250 students,
but is designed to allow for growth in enrolment and
programming. There will be 10 classrooms, a library,
cafeteria and kitchen, offices and a staff lounge, a
lecture theatre, a biology/chemistry laboratory, a
physics laboratory, student services offices, a
bookstore, and electrical, mechanical/hydraulics,
millwright and welding shops. There will also be two
outdoor activity areas. It is anticipated that occupancy
could occur in 2011, in time for the start of September
classes.
"Construction of the new College of
the North Atlantic campus in Labrador City is part of
the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s
infrastructure strategy, which includes some $130
million invested in Labrador through the Northern
Strategic Plan," said the Honourable John Hickey,
Minister of Labrador Affairs. "The people of Labrador
West will soon benefit from the significant economic
boost generated when construction begins on this
facility that will be a major addition to the
educational infrastructure of Labrador."
"I am very pleased to see this project
reach the construction stage of development," said Jim
Baker, MHA for Labrador West. "This state of the art
facility will not only provide for the skilled trades
training needs of our region but will also provide
economic stimulus during this period of downturn in the
mining industry. It proves once again the commitment
which this government has made to meet the
infrastructure needs of Labrador West."
"The Provincial Government has
allocated approximately $800 million for infrastructure
in Budget 2009 for projects throughout Newfoundland and
Labrador," said Minister King. "Almost 20 per cent is
earmarked for education projects alone. With this level
of funding, we can ensure our students have the learning
and training opportunities for personal success, and for
the growth and development of communities across the
province."
The Provincial Government�s
infrastructure strategy is valued at more than $4
billion over the next several years.
- 30 -
Media contacts: