Communities in Labrador are realizing the benefits of investments by the Government of Canada today. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), was in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to announce funding of more than $2.0 million for nine projects in four communities.
“Our government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is taking steps to reduce the effect of the economic slowdown here in Labrador and throughout the entire country,” said Minister Ashfield. “The Labrador investments we are announcing today stem from proposals that have been put forward at the community level and we are pleased to partner in the growth and development of these communities.”
Four projects are being funded through the Government’s Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay (RInC - $191,952) The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is making improvements to the E. J. Broomfield Memorial Arena with an investment of $191,952. The improvements include upgrades to the ice plant, rink floor and rink boards.
The Town of Labrador City (RInC - $247,785) The Town of Labrador City is further enhancing the Labrador City Arena with an investment of $247,785 that will primarily involve improvements to the roof of the arena. This project builds on an earlier RInC investment of $315,000 announced in July for other upgrades to the arena.
The Labrador School Board (RInC - $17,324) The Labrador School Board is upgrading the playground at Queen of Peace Middle School in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with an investment of $17,324. The project activities involve the purchase and installation of playground equipment, seeding and spreading of topsoil, and the construction of a basketball court.
The Town of Forteau (RInC - $14,561) The Town of Forteau is upgrading recreational facilities with an investment of $14,561. The Mount Nascopi cross country ski trail and lodge will see enhancements to the parking facilities, an extended cross country ski trail, renovations at the lodge, the installation of a snow fence and the excavation for an artesian well.
Three projects are being funded through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
The Labrador Friendship Centre (ICF - $150,000) The Labrador Friendship Centre is enhancing its facility in Goose Bay, Labrador with an investment of $150,000. The improvements include a new ventilation system, windows, siding and a roof upgrade.
The Goose Bay Airport Corporation (ICF - $548,250) The Goose Bay Airport Corporation is expanding and improving the Otter Creek Waterdrome near Happy Valley- Goose Bay with an investment of $548,250. The project involves two phases of development. The first phase consists of expansion of the marine interface including the refurbishment of existing docking area, the removal of the existing wood deck and replacing fill material and a retaining wall. The second phase includes development of an industrial park for the waterdrome, upgrades to the entrance signage at Otter Creek and the installation of new fencing.
Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club (ICF - $431,967) The Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club has constructed a chalet and done related site work with an investment of $431,967. The project has allowed the Ski Club to provide an unimpeded view of the Mealy Mountains and improve the attraction of the facility.
Two projects are being funded through ACOA’s Business Development program (BDP).
Destination Labrador (BDP - $259,775) Destination Labrador will market the “Big Land” thanks to a Government of Canada investment of almost $260,000. This project includes the implementation of year one of a three year marketing plan including corporate activities and administration; marketing tactics including web site development, attendance at trade shows, sales calls and research. The project will also include tourism product development initiatives such as market readiness and professional development of tourism industry in Labrador.
Post Mill Lumber (BDP - $180,000) Post Mill Lumber will construct a multi-purpose building with an investment of $180,000. This construction project will enable Post Mill Lumber to expand and enhance the products and services it currently provides to the mineral exploration industry in Labrador.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $500 million over two years for the RInC program, to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across the country, generating local economic activity, supporting jobs and encouraging increased participation in physical activity and community building. The RInC program is being delivered throughout Atlantic Canada by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The ICF invests in strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada’s communities. The BDP is focused on small- and medium-sized enterprises. It is designed to help set up, expand or modernize businesses and can also provide financing to develop innovative ideas and improve competitiveness.
For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Communities in Labrador are realizing the benefits of investments by the Government of Canada today. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), was in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to announce funding of more than $2,000,000 for nine projects in four communities.
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is making improvements to the E. J. Broomfield Memorial Arena with an investment of $191,952.
The Town of Labrador City is further enhancing the Labrador City Arena with an investment of $247,785.
The Labrador School Board is upgrading the playground at Queen of Peace Middle School in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with an investment of $17,324.
The Town of Forteau is upgrading the Mount Nascopi cross country ski trail, and lodge with an investment of $14,561.
The Labrador Friendship Centre is enhancing its facility in Goose Bay, Labrador with an investment of $150,000.
The Goose Bay Airport Corporation is expanding and improving the Otter Creek Waterdrome near Happy Valley- Goose Bay with an investment of $548,250.
Destination Labrador will continue to market the Big Land thanks to a Government of Canada investment of almost $260,000.
Post Mill Lumber will construct a multi-purpose building with an investment of $180,000.
The Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club has constructed a chalet and done related site work with an investment of $431,967.
Four of the projects are funded by the Government of Canada through its Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Thre projects are being funded through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and two projects are being funded through ACOA’s Business Development program.
A total of $500 million over two years has been set aside through RInC to support upgrades and repairs to recreational facilities in communities across Canada.
The ICF invests in strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada's communities.
The BDP is focused on small- and medium-sized enterprises. It is designed to help set up, expand or modernize businesses and can also provide financing to develop innovative ideas and improve competitiveness.
-30-
INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA-NL
709-772-2935
