The City of Corner Brook will undertake major reconstruction of West Valley Road, thanks to funding of just under $3.6 million through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency); the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Corner Brook Mayor Charles Pender.
“This project will result in immediate and long-term safety improvements for vehicle and pedestrian traffic in a very busy part of Corner Brook,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our investment of nearly $1.2 million will allow the city to improve the street surface and also replace the water and sewer services in the area which will help ensure a safer, cleaner community.”
“We are pleased to contribute over $1.3 million to upgrade roads and improve curb and sidewalk conditions for residents and visitors to the City of Corner Brook,” said Minister Whalen. “This investment supports our governments' efforts to upgrade and modernize municipal infrastructure and enhance services in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The project includes complete reconstruction of approximately 420 meters of West Valley Road from the intersection of O'Connell Drive to the intersection of Elswick Road, including work on underground services including separation of the combined sewer system and replacement of the water main.
The improvements to the sewer system will contribute to the city's plans for full sewage treatment and the work on the water main upgrades will improve fire protection, water quality, and water service to residents.
“This section of West Valley Road is a collector street and directly services 32 local residences and six businesses, plus the regional hospital,” said Mayor Pender. “Reliability of the water and sewer services will be improved. The separated storm sewer system will contribute to the overall well-being of residents and reduce environmental impacts.”
“The enhancement of this section of West Valley Road is a welcomed improvement,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East. “Many improvements are occurring in the City of Corner Brook as significant infrastructure projects are underway and this roadwork is welcome and complementary to those projects.”
The Government of Canada is contributing $1,197,876 and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $1,317,664, while the City of Corner Brook will fund $1,078,088. The Canada-NL MRIF Agreement is administered jointly by the Department of Municipal Affairs on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and ACOA, on behalf of Infrastructure Canada.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, together with provincial Municipal Affairs Minister Dianne Whalen and Corner Brook Mayor Charles Pender, today announced funding of nearly $3.6 million to undertake major reconstruction of West Valley Road.
The funding is from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The project includes complete reconstruction of approximately 420 meters of West Valley Road from the intersection of O'Connell Drive to the intersection of Elswick Road, including work on underground services including separation of the combined sewer system and replacement of the water main.
The work on the sewer system will contribute to the city's plans concerning full sewage treatment and the work on the water main will improve fire protection, water quality, and water service to residents, businesses, and the Western Memorial Regional Hospital.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 709-690-2498
Mayor Charles Pender
Office of the Mayor
City of Corner Brook 709-637-1500
