August 18, 2016
August 18, 2016 – Labrador City, NL
Tourism, mining, business and community infrastructure in Labrador West will benefit from Government of Canada and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador investments. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and 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), announced a combined investment of $1,734,083 at an event in the region today.
The Government of Canada is contributing $1,038,083 in federal funding towards eight projects and the provincial government is contributing $696,000 towards four of these projects. An accompanying backgrounder provides details related to all projects.
As part of the recently launched Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provincial governments are committed to supporting infrastructure projects in communities across the region. These investments build on this commitment. Communities prosper when all people have affordable and accessible gathering spaces to find support and enrich their quality of life.
“The Government of Canada understands the value of partnership and co-operation and works in collaboration with community partners and industry to support economic growth. The investments announced today demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to business development as well as community and recreational infrastructure projects that will improve our communities by restoring and upgrading the facilities and areas that bring us together.” –The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Government of Canada is pleased to work with a variety of community partners in the Labrador West region to advance projects that support stronger communities and a vibrant, growing business climate. The investments announced today will also help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada’s rich heritage and history.” – Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador
“Our support for these projects demonstrates our government’s commitment to increasing economic development and diversification while encouraging private sector growth and innovation. It is our hope that these investments will lead to long-term sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Labrador West.”- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador
– 30-
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications ACOA NL 709-772-2984
[email protected]
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 693-1865
[email protected]
Trisha Brown, CA for MP Yvonne Jones, 709-944-2146 [email protected]
Toby Leon President Smokey Mountain Ski Club Limited 709-282-8809 [email protected]
Sherry Butt White Wolf Snowmobile Corporation 709-944-6512 [email protected]
Gary Wensman Town Manager Town of Labrador City 709-944-2621
Gordon Head President Rotary Club of Labrador City and Wabush Inc. (709) 944-3762 (ext. 4300) [email protected]
Charlie Perry Town Manager Town of Wabush 709-282-5696 [email protected]
Great North Data is using a $500,000 repayable investment from ACOA’s Business Development Program and $420,000 from the provincial department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD) to undertake the expansion of its existing data centre. Specifically, the project will enable the applicant to increase its capacity through the purchase of power transformers, server racks and a HVAC system.
The College of the North Atlantic is receiving a $70,000 investment from ACOA’s Business Development Program and $50,000 from BTCRD to conduct a feasibility study to assess the viability of establishing and operating a Centre of Excellence in Mining Support, Innovation and Industrial Research. The overall goal of the project is to determine how the College can meet the current and expected future mining training needs of the province and to support and enhance actions that lead to increased innovation and research opportunities for improved industry competitiveness.
The Smokey Mountain Ski Club Limited is receiving $207,838 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and $210,000 from BTCRD to enhance its downhill ski facility in Labrador West. This includes upgrading the ski chalet, purchasing and installing a magic carpet lift and acquiring timing and site-specific equipment to support club operations.
The Town of Labrador City will use $138,695 from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) to make improvements to the arena and walking trail in the community. The project includes replacing dasher boards in the arena, as well as improving the Tanya Lake and Warblers Walk trails with interpretive and directional signage and the installation of benches and tables.
The White Wolf Snowmobile Corporation will use a $27,254 investment from the CIP 150 and a $25,000 contribution from BTCRD to undertake improvements to their clubhouse and groomer storage facility, including interior and exterior painting, flooring replacement and resurfacing, installation of an exhaust system and roof replacement.
The Rotary Club of Labrador City and Wabush Inc. is receiving a $50,000 CIP 150 investment to upgrade Rotary Peace Park. This project involves the construction of a central entertainment area to be used for community events.
The Town of Wabush will use a $34,632 CIP 150 investment to install a new chill unit and condenser at the Wabush arena, as well as an $11,918 contribution to enhance the Jean Lake walking trail. Updates to the existing five kilometre trail will include replacement of existing boardwalk, removal of brush, installation of stone where required, repair to bridges and installation of signage.
