Annexation of Little Catalina and Trinity Bay North Nearing Completion

The Towns of Little Catalina and Trinity Bay North have reached an agreement to share governance and municipal services. A Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

"Our government supports regionalization discussions and the benefits that sharing services can bring to communities," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "The Towns of Little Catalina and Trinity Bay North have been working in collaboration with department officials for 11 months to consider the financial and operational benefits that could arise from annexation. I am pleased that an agreement has been reached and look forward to participating in the MOU signing in July."

As a result of the agreement, Municipal Affairs will provide funding to assist with paying down outstanding debt for the towns, invest in capital infrastructure in the expanded municipality over a five-year period, provide funding to develop a town plan and support transitional costs. A new municipal council structure will be introduced with representation from both towns.

"Both towns should be commended for their efforts to reach an agreement," said Minister Whalen. "As a result of this merger, the council will be in a better position financially, services will be improved, and residents will benefit."

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca