Tourism, Culture and Recreation
May 4, 2012
Over $800,000 Invested to Upgrade Infrastructure for 2012 Summer Games
A total of $876,230 was announced today to upgrade infrastructure for the 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games being held in Carbonear and Harbour Grace in August. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, made the announcement in Carbonear. The ministers were joined by the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace, and Milton Peach, Co-Chair, 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games Host Committee.
The Town of Harbour Grace will receive $211,220 in cost-shared funding through the 2012 Municipal Capital Works Program to upgrade and repair sports facilities for the 2012 Summer Games. The facilities include St. Francis Soccer Field, St. Francis Field Club House, Moriarity Park Ballfields, Moriarity Park Club House, Aero Tennis Courts, Aero Club House, and the S.W. Moores Memorial Stadium.
The Town of Carbonear will receive $202,980 in cost-shared funding through the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program. Funding will be used to carry out improvements to track and field facilities, softball fields, tennis courts and parking accommodations. An additional $462,030 in cost-shared funding from the same program will be used to resurface the rubberized track in Carbonear.
“Through investments in our provincial capital works programs, we are working with municipalities to identify and enhance infrastructure in communities and cities throughout the province,” said Minister O’Brien. “We are pleased to invest in the necessary upgrades to sports facilities for the towns of Carbonear and Harbour Grace to support the towns in hosting the 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.”
The towns of Carbonear and Harbour Grace were provided $200,000 in April 2011 to assist with the operating costs associated with co-hosting the 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games. In addition to this funding, the Provincial Government will cover travel and transportation costs for all of the athletes, coaches, officials and managers, at the cost of approximately $150,000.
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Games Program is designed to encourage students to participate in sport,” said Minister Dalley. “It’s clear the Newfoundland and Labrador Games continue to be important to communities, coaches, volunteers, and the young people who participate. Through programs such as these, the Provincial Government continues to work on achieving the goals outlined in our recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Carbonear and Harbour Grace previously hosted the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in 1992, making this year the 20th anniversary of previously hosting the games. The games officially take place from August 18 to 25.
“This year’s games will be an exciting time for the area as we open our communities and facilities to the province,” said Minister Kennedy. “These infrastructure improvements are significant. The improved facilities will be part of the games legacy and will be there for the enjoyment of residents of the area, especially our youth, for years to come.”
The host committee is pleased with the investments by the Provincial Government.
“The facilities in our two communities will be state-of-the-art as a result of this investment by the Provincial Government,” said Mr. Peach. “The youth of our area and those competing here from all over the province will benefit from these improvements.”
The Newfoundland and Labrador Games program was established in 1976 and is held every two years, alternating winter and summer games. Athletes from all areas of the province, aged 11-18, compete in a range of sports selected by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation in conjunction with provincial sports organizations. The games are designed to encourage participation in sport, recreation and community development, and the pursuit of excellence.
Since the launch of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.
Municipal Capital Works funding is the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to provincial investment through municipal infrastructure throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Municipal Capital Works program fosters the development of cost-shared projects in a wide range of municipal infrastructure. Funding is provincial and municipal cost shared only. Through this program the Provincial Government provides municipalities the opportunity to secure, develop and improve services for their residents and support the long-term sustainability, growth and development of communities throughout the province.
Multi-Year Capital Works funding is the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to provincial investment to larger scale municipal infrastructure. The Multi-Year Capital Works Program allows larger municipalities to avail of two-year blocks of funding which supports improved planning and scheduling of work of larger-scale projects. Funding is allocated on a cost-share ratio providing better funding arrangements and improved financial support to allow municipalities to strengthen services and improve infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future includes $130 million over two years for new municipal infrastructure projects. In doing so, cost-share ratios established in 2008 will be maintained to benefit municipalities. When calculating its investment, the Provincial Government includes the provincial portion of the HST and pays its applicable share of that cost.
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Media contacts:
| Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
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Tracy Shute Executive Assistant to the Honourable Jerome Kennedy MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace 709-729-4746 tracyshute@gov.nl.ca |
Milton Peach Co-Chair 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games Host Committee 709-596-4832 |
2012 05 04 11:20 a.m.