Happy Valley-Goose Bay Community Infrastructure Projects Receive Government Funding
News Release
Federal and provincial investments support eight community projects in Labrador
February 11, 2017 – Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced federal funding of more than $618,000 for eight projects in Happy Valley-Goose Bay through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150). The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, also announced more than $499,000 from the provincial government for four of these projects.
Today’s announcement supports a range of community infrastructure projects including upgrades, repairs and equipment purchases to enhance local facilities and outdoor amenities in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. The projects supported through these federal and provincial investments will benefit local residents and help advance the Labrador region’s tourism industry.
CIP 150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA.
Quotes
“Through CIP 150, the Government of Canada provides support for local infrastructure projects that help improve communities such as Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The investments announced today will enable the Labrador region to restore and upgrade several key community facilities, as well as outdoor spaces that bring residents together and enhance tourism growth.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Central Labrador region is fortunate to have a strong base of community organizations and volunteers that work hard to offer residents quality recreational activities and amenities. The funding announced today will help strengthen and enhance a number of important pieces of community infrastructure that residents in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the surrounding area can enjoy for years to come.”
- Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador
“Our government is focused on making Newfoundland and Labrador a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living. As part of that, we made commitments in ‘The Way Forward’ vision to support the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our investments in these projects deliver on those commitments by providing Labradorians greater opportunity to pursue physical activity and a healthier lifestyle.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Michelle Cannizzaro
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizarro@gov.nl.ca
Dominic Demers
Director of Community Services and Recreation
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
709-896-8542
tourpkrec@happyvalley-goosebay.com
Jennifer Hefler-Elson
Executive Director
Labrador Friendship Centre
709-896-8302
jhefler-elson@lfchvgb.ca
John Goulding, Major
Secretary for Public Relations and Development
The Salvation Army in Newfoundland and Labrador
709-727-9356
John_Goulding@can.salvationarmy.org
Gerald Osmond
First Vice-President
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 51
709-896-4116
branch51nl@gmail.com
Tony Chubbs
President
Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc.
709-896-2691
chubbs@nf.sympatico.ca
Graham Moorhouse
Project Coordinator
Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club
709-896-2718
grahammoorhouse@persona.ca
Greg Wheeler
President
Grand River Snowmobile Club Inc.
709-896-6900 (ext. 7258)
grand.river@hvgb.net
BACKGROUNDER
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is using a $180,430 investment from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) and $507,077 cost shared with the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs to upgrade the Kinsmen Park with a concrete splash pad and holding tank, as well as mechanical, electrical and drainage systems. The project also includes trail development, general landscaping and upgrades to an existing bike trail. In addition, the Town received $61,429 through CIP 150 to enhance several playgrounds in the community.
The Labrador Friendship Centre is receiving a $99,092 investment from the CIP 150 to improve its existing building in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with repairs to the roof and upgrades to the ventilation system and attic insulation. These enhancements will enable the organization to continue to offer programs and services related to aboriginal leadership skills and the promotion, creation and preservation of aboriginal art.
The Governing Council of The Salvation Army in Canada (on behalf of The Salvation Army Happy Valley- Goose Bay Corps) is receiving $95,174 through the CIP 150 and $55,000 from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development) to upgrade the existing kitchen facility at its Happy Valley-Goose Bay location to an industrial kitchen. The organization will purchase equipment and make leasehold improvements to support its community outreach initiatives.
The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 51 received a $91,227 investment from the CIP 150 to upgrade the kitchen within its facility. The upgrades provide an improved space for veterans and seniors who use the facility and will also benefit residents who book the venue for weddings, community gatherings and other events.
The Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc. received a $50,583 investment from the CIP 150 and $29,013 from the provincial Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development to enhance an existing shooting range. The improvements will enable the organization to host regional and Atlantic competitions and will benefit numerous organizations in Central Labrador that use the shooting range.
The Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club received a $33,873 CIP 150 investment and $16,936 from the provincial Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development to upgrade its trail system, clubhouse and parking area. These enhancements support tourism development in the area by offering a higher quality attraction to visitors.
The Grand River Snowmobile Club received a $6,909 CIP 150 investment to upgrade its existing storage and club facility. The improvements are expected to benefit residents and support enhancement of the local tourism industry.