Government of Canada Supporting Community Infrastructure in Atlantic Canada
July 31, 2015 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Maturin Pond Walking Trail in the Town of Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights will be completed and the war memorial in the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s will be restored and enhanced, thanks in part to Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding announced today by the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (ACOA).
The Government of Canada has approved a contribution of $47,386 for the Town of Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights to complete the existing trail. Through this project, new trailhead markers will be constructed and installed at the north and south entrances of the trail; and new parking areas will be provided. The project will also enhance the water access area to encourage users to access the pond with un-motorized watercrafts. When completed, these enhancements to the Maturin Pond Walking Trail will benefit both residents and tourists.
The Government of Canada has also approved a contribution of $15,295 for the Royal Canadian Legion, Portugal Cove Branch 10, to restore and enhance the town’s existing war memorial. This project will result in an enhanced war memorial through the addition of attractive plantings, and the installation of pavers as well as blocks to commemorate the various conflicts in which members served.
Federal funding is part of the up to $16.6 million allocated for projects in Atlantic Canada under CIP 150, announced earlier this year by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing up to $150 million over two years to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for communities. It is part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.
In Atlantic Canada, CIP 150 is administered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Quick Facts:
- These investments are two in a series slated for community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural facilities, cenotaphs and other community infrastructure facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.
- Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
- Projects that will be supported by the program will be chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.
- Total federal government funding will be a maximum of 50 per cent of the total eligible costs for projects in Atlantic Canada.
- The Government of Canada’s contributions are contingent on the execution of contribution agreements with recipients.
- Selected projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2018.
Quotes:
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate the places across this great country that unite and connect us – the parks, the trails, the cultural and community centres and more. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will have a lasting impact in Atlantic Canada and will ensure residents, such as those here in Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights and Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, have access to improved community spaces.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (ACOA)
“The Maturin Pond Walking Trail has proven to be a major element in our community’s strategy of promoting healthy living to our residents. This beautiful walking trail that meanders along the shores of Maturin Pond provides the region with a safe environment where area seniors and youth can enjoy a nature walk in an idyllic setting. The contribution from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, through ACOA, will boost use of the trail by residents and visitors and expand the capacity of the community’s recreational infrastructure”.
- Gary Keating, Mayor, Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights
“The Royal Canadian Legion Portugal Cove Branch 10 is very excited to be able to finish the multi-phased restoration of the Community War Memorial. The memorial is to remember those men and women of our community who served in conflicts and especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial will also be an educational piece that lists the places where the people of this province fought in conflicts from the American Revolutionary War, Peace Keeping Missions to the Afghanistan War. We are very grateful for the support of the community thus far and especially the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program has provided.”
- Michael Pretty, Chair, War Memorial Restoration Project, Royal Canadian Legion Portugal Cove Branch 10
Associated Links:
acoa-apeca.gc.ca/CIP150
Canada.pch.gc.ca/canada150
Town of Long Harbour
Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Kelsie.Corey@canada.ca
Julie Afonso
A/Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Julie.Afonso@canada.ca
Juanita Gosse
Town Manager
Town of Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights
709-228-2921
jgosse@longharbour.net
Michael Pretty
Chair, War Memorial Restoration Committee
Royal Canadian Legion Portugal Cove Branch 10
709-727-4674
whereoncetheystood@nl.rogers.com
