Executive Council
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
August 24, 2015
The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today a capacity agreement with the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay that provides additional resources to assist the town in addressing increased administrative pressures, placed on them as a result of the Lower Churchill Project. This agreement with the town is in response to a recommendation of the Joint Review Panel.
“As reflected by targeted investments and our Population Growth Strategy, our government is committed to supporting communities and creating new economic opportunities. We also recognize the impact of large industrial projects on the community and our role in assisting it overcome potential challenges. Today, I am pleased to join the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay in putting in place supports to address the increased demands that come from a project the size of Muskrat Falls. I thank the town for working with us in finalizing this agreement.”
– The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The capacity agreement provides for Special Assistance funding for the next three years of $250,000 annually to assist the town in addressing administrative demands associated with the project. Dialogue will also take place with the town in the event of the future development of the Gull Island Project.
In addition to the Special Assistance funding, and as acknowledged in the capacity agreement, other recent substantial supports have also been provided to the town. These include:
•An extra $1 million to the 2014-17 Multi-Year Capital Works allocation bringing the total to $5 million; and
•A pumper fire truck valued at approximately $240,000, cost-shared on a 70/30 basis.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Provnicial Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador so they are best positioned to maximize opportunities for the benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I thank the town and their officials for working with the department to finalize the capacity agreement.”
-The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
During peak construction, the Lower Churchill Project will generate over 3,100 jobs, providing more than $1.9 billion in total income for labour and business including $500 million in income to residents and businesses in Labrador.
“Happy Valley-Goose Bay is a vibrant community. Resource development has increased economic activity in the region and helped make this beautiful town a hub of Labrador. Today’s important announcement will indeed assist in the future needs of the region. As Minister for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, and as a resident, I was very proud to have been a part of the process that has led us to today’s event.”
– The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
The increased responsibilities placed on the town arise from the need for the town to establish baseline data; monitor the effects of construction on infrastructure; engage in emergency preparedness; address in-migration effects; address the potential economic downturn at the end of the project; as well as manage any other project related effects in the town.
“On behalf of the council, I would like to thank the Provincial Government for working with the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and acknowledging that mega-developments bring opportunities but also challenges. The municipality will now be better positioned to try its best to maximize benefits from this project. By including a commitment to consult with the town in the event of development of the Gull Island Project, we hope to be ahead of the game in the future.”
– Jamie Snook, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Strong communities with quality services and sound infrastructure are important to increasing the province’s population and align with the Population Growth Strategy.
QUICK FACTS
•Premier Paul Davis and Mayor Jamie Snook of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, announced today a capacity agreement that will provide additional resources which will increase the town’s capacity to address increased administrative demands related to the Lower Churchill Project.
•The capacity agreement provides for Special Assistance funding for the next three years of $250,000 annually to assist the town in addressing administrative demands associated with the project. Dialogue will also take place with the town in the event of the development of the Gull Island Project.
•Strong communities with quality services and sound infrastructure are important to increasing the province’s population and align with the Population Growth Strategy.
http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2015/exec/0824n01.aspx
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Media contacts:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3581
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Donna Ivey
Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the Premier
709-729-3551
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
Kevin Guest
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
709-729-1983, 730-2320
kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1495
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca
Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
709-896-3254, 896-1609
publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com