Cape St. George, Newfoundland and Labrador, Monday, July 29, 2013 – Thanks to the federal and provincial governments, the Town of Cape St. George has completed renovations on a new emergency services facility in the community. The building was officially opened today by the Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs; Tony Cornect, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MHA for Port au Port; and Peter Fenwick, Mayor of Cape St. George.
"Our Government recognizes the importance of supporting municipal infrastructure that benefits the everyday lives of Canadians,"
said the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. "We are proud to invest in municipal infrastructure projects, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities here in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across Canada."
"It is my pleasure to be here today for the opening of this important facility which will serve the people of Cape St. George,"
said Minister O'Brien. "The provision of fire and emergency services is certainly an area of importance for the Provincial Government. In working with the town to renovate this building, we have built a facility which will enhance services, and will serve the people of this area for years to come."
The town purchased and renovated an existing garage in the community, to create a first class emergency services building. The Town of Cape St. George directed close to $22,000 of its federal Gas Tax Fund allocation toward this project, with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador contributing $61,000 from its Job Creation Partnerships program.
"I am very pleased to see the collaborative effort between the federal and provincial governments and the Town of Cape St. George on this new municipal building,"
said Tony Cornect. "Having adequate fire and emergency services is very important to ensuring the safety and security of our residents here in this district and across the province. This revitalized facility will provide essential services to residents for many years to come."
The Provincial Government has a strong commitment to fire and emergency services for all residents. This commitment has led to initiatives to advance efforts in fire truck and equipment funding, training, and support for the close to 6,000 volunteer fire fighters across Newfoundland and Labrador.
"This new emergency services facility is a great addition to the town,"
said Mayor Fenwick. "As a result of these renovations, our emergency responders have an excellent, reconditioned premises which will provide great service to the people of Cape St. George. This new development supports the goals of our community, and will bring additional security to our residents and families."
The federal Gas Tax Fund supports municipal infrastructure projects that contribute to cleaner air and water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fall into the following categories: drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, public transit, community energy systems, solid waste management and local roads.
The federal Gas Tax Fund provides long-term funding to municipalities across the country to build and revitalize their local infrastructure. The Government of Canada has invested over $10 billion to date in municipal infrastructure through this program, and passed legislation to make it a permanent transfer of $2 billion per year. As part of Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government committed to index the Gas Tax Fund to provide additional funding for communities going forward. Between 2010 and 2014, the Town of Cape St. George will receive $177,994 from the Gas Tax Fund to improve local infrastructure.
Since 2008, the Provincial Government has invested over $650 million in municipal capital works projects which has resulted in improved municipal infrastructure across the province. When federal and municipal contributions are included the total investment is in excess of $1 billion.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure, visit Infrastructure Canada.
Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983
HughDonnan@gov.nl.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
