Governments Partner to Support Infrastructure Initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have identified three infrastructure initiatives as priorities for joint funding: the redevelopment of the Colonial Building in St. John’s, the expansion of the St. John’s Convention Centre, and the redevelopment of a former industrial site in Paradise. The total eligible cost of the three initiatives is estimated at more than $63 million.

In St. John’s, the heritage Colonial Building will be fully restored inside and out. When completed, this iconic structure will be open to the public as an interpretation centre on the political history of the province and will house not-for-profit heritage organizations. The expansion of the Convention Centre, which is also supported by the City of St. John’s, will nearly double the amount of space that is available for events and will benefit the entire province. The initiative in Paradise involves redeveloping a former industrial site as a community park, and also includes municipal support.

“Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure initiatives that will help communities in Newfoundland and Labrador grow and prosper,” said the Honourable Peter Penashue, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “These initiatives will bring benefits to our province's capital and the surrounding region for years to come.”

“The Provincial Government is committed to building a strong, prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Today’s infrastructure announcement clearly displays our dedication. We want the province to continue to grow and thrive in all sectors. Consequently, we remain strategic in our investments, providing all residents with more opportunity to succeed both socially and economically.”

These initiatives have been identified as priorities for funding consideration under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund of the Building Canada Plan. Federal funding is conditional on the initiatives meeting all relevant federal requirements. Through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, Newfoundland and Labrador will receive a total of $175 million from the Government of Canada for core infrastructure priorities.

Through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador the Provincial Government is investing more than $1 billion in provincial infrastructure. This funding will benefit all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as part of an ongoing multi-year infrastructure strategy currently valued at more than $5 billion.

Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that will help communities improve their infrastructure.

For further information on Infrastructure Canada’s investments in Newfoundland and Labrador, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.

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2011 08 31                                        1:45 p.m.