Mount Pearl to Receive $6.1 million for Municipal Infrastructure

The Dunderdale Government will support improvements to the Team Gushue Park facility and improvements to roads in Mount Pearl through an investment of approximately $6.1 million through the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program. The total investment in municipal infrastructure, including a contribution by the City of Mount Pearl, is $9.2 million.

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, outlined details of the allocation today at Mount Pearl City Hall. The minister was joined by the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Service NL and MHA for Topsail; Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North; and Paul Lane, MHA for Mount Pearl South.

“Through our capital works program, our government continues to place priority on ensuring that cities and towns throughout the province have modern municipal infrastructure,” said Minister O’Brien. “Through this investment, the City of Mount Pearl will make necessary improvements in roads and improve access to one of its sport complexes. I applaud Mount Pearl for its continued commitment to identifying areas of priority and for making the necessary investments to ensure its infrastructure is adequately maintained.”

Funding will support improvements to the Team Gushue Sports Complex, which will include improvements in traffic flow and enhancements to the parking lot. Work has commenced on this project and is expected to be complete in 2013. In addition, street improvements will be undertaken, including paving, and sidewalk and curbing, as well as waterline and storm sewer in some areas. This work is scheduled to begin this year and be completed by 2014. Funding is cost-shared based on population, with the Provincial Government providing 70 per cent of the total cost.

“On behalf of members of council I wish to extend appreciation to the Provincial Government and Minister Kevin O’Brien for the significant support provided to our city’s capital works projects,” said Randy Simms, Mayor of Mount Pearl. “Heartfelt thanks are also extended to MHAs Paul Davis, Steve Kent and Paul Lane for their continuous efforts in securing such investments for our municipality. Through this investment, along with municipal funding, we are delighted to advise that improvements are planned for over 20 municipal roads, while essential improvements to Team Gushue Park will benefit thousands of facility users.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity included $130 million over two years for municipal capital works projects throughout the province. Since 2008, the Provincial Government has invested over $500 million in municipal capital works projects which has resulted in improved municipal infrastructure across the province. These projects have provided municipalities the opportunity to secure, develop and improve infrastructure for residents and support the long-term sustainability of growth and development of communities throughout the province.

The Provincial Government has also maintained improved cost-shared funding ratios established in 2008 to benefit municipalities. For communities with populations below 3,000, the Provincial Government will continue to invest 90 per cent of the cost of new infrastructure with the municipality providing 10 per cent; 80 per cent of the cost will continue to be covered for populations between 3,000 and 7,000; and 70 per cent of the cost will continue to be covered for municipalities with populations over 7,000.

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Photo: The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announces infrastructure funding for the City of Mount Pearl. Minister O'Brien was joined by the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Service NL and MHA for Topsail; Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North; Paul Lane, MHA for Mount Pearl South; and Mayor Randy Simms and councillors from the City of Mount Pearl.

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2012 09 17             1:30 p.m.