Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador
Invest in 14 Community Infrastructure Projects

Communities across the island portion of the province will see improvements to key pieces of community infrastructure thanks to investments by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The announcement was made today at an event in Kelligrews by Senator Elizabeth Marshall, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

“Our government is pleased to announce its support for so many excellent projects in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Senator Marshall. “Families and communities across the province will benefit from these projects, which will also boost economic activity, as well as leave a lasting legacy of modernized community facilities for future generations.”

“I am happy to be here to as we announce these important infrastructure investments which will benefit municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister O’Brien. “The Provincial Government is committed to supporting the growth and development of sustainable communities, and these investments will allow residents better access to cultural and recreational programs as well as facilities which will allow community groups to continue their important work across the province.”

As part of its Economic Action Plan, Senator Marshall announced Government of Canada investments of more than $694,000 from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) for 14 projects in the communities of Upper Island Cove, Avondale, St. John’s, Clarenville, Plate Cove East, King’s Cove, Smith’s Harbour, Baie Verte, Comfort Cove-Newstead, Point Leamington, Conception Bay South, Burin Bay Arm, and Marystown. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $620,000 in six of these projects.

The Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund is an initiative of Economic Action Plan 2012. The Provincial Government investments come from the Department of Municipal Affairs.

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BACKGROUNDER
Investments in Towns and Cities

Investments are being made in the following projects:

• The Royal Canadian Legion, Conception Bay Branch 50 Inc. is receiving $19,956 through CIIF to improve both the interior and exterior of the existing community centre in Conception Bay South. The project will involve renovations to exterior siding, replacement of front and basement entrances, new ceiling insulation, reconfiguration of the interior layout, and improvement to the stage and sound system.
• The Town of Upper Island Cove is receiving $90,989 through CIIF and $169,413 through the Department of Municipal Affairs to renovate the community centre including the installation of new doors and hardware, upgrades to the bathroom area and upgrades to the parking area.
• The Town of Avondale is receiving $45,108 through CIIF and $56,580 from the Department of Municipal Affairs to restore the Avalon Heritage and Railway Museum. This project includes remediation and replacement of ceilings and walls to address an identified mould issue, as well as moving and storing of artifacts during the renovation.
• The St. John’s Native Friendship Centre is receiving $14,561 through CIIF to renovate the Aboriginal community centre in St. John’s. This project will involve renovations to the youth room, community room and the meeting room to provide a more welcoming environment for users, as well as renovations to the exterior of the building.
• The Town of Clarenville is receiving $211,870 through CIIF and $210,870 from the Department of Municipal Affairs to renovate Elizabeth Swan Park, including the relocation of the stage and multi-purpose building to a more suitable location in the park to address the threat of floodwaters. This will provide the town with an improved venue for community events as well as ensure the continued operation of the facility.
• The Plate Cove East Wharf Association Inc. is receiving $3,040 through CIIF to improve existing marine infrastructure in the community. The project will involve the replacement of the slipway to a location near the wharf, providing users with easier access to launch their vessels.
• The Town of King’s Cove is receiving $12,352 through CIIF to upgrade and improve a park in the community. The project will involve the installation of new playground equipment and benches, as well as general improvements such as groundwork.
• The Town of Marystown is receiving $113,200 through CIIF and $159,600 through the Department of Municipal Affairs to upgrade the town’s arena through the installation of a new compressor, dehumidifier and lighting to improve ice conditions, and a new ceiling and roof to improve the facility’s eco-efficiency.
• The Local Service District of Smith’s Harbour Inc. is receiving $4,480 through CIIF and $9,884 from the Department of Municipal Affairs to construct a multi-purpose stage at its local outdoor arena which will provide the community and the region with a venue to attract events and performers.
• The Town of Baie Verte is receiving $9,051 through CIIF and $13,806 from the Department of Municipal Affairs to improve the local arena through the purchase and installation of a compressor. The town is also receiving $2,761 through CIIF to upgrade the Blagdon Trail in the community, including removal of the aging boardwalk, installation of crushed stone, and improved drainage.
• The Town of Comfort Cove-Newstead is receiving $4,358 through CIIF to improve the local community centre with repairs to the roof.
• The Town of Point Leamington is receiving $15,331 through CIIF to upgrade and expand the local park. The project involves the purchase and installation of playground equipment.
• The Eastern School District is receiving $147,407 through CIIF to upgrade the Donald C. Jamieson Freedom Park in the community of Burin Bay Arm.

2013 05 15                               10:25 a.m.