Press Releases

Jack Byrne, Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister, and Ray Hunter, MHA for the District of Windsor-Springdale, announced today that this district will receive funding for municipal capital works projects.

"We have proposed $305,992 under the federal, provincial and municipal cost-shared Canada/Newfoundland Infrastructure Program for water and sewer and projects for this district" said Minister Byrne. "We are also assisting the municipal government in making the Springdale town hall wheelchair accessible under the Municipal Capital Works Program."

As government moves forward with the second prong of its two-pronged approach, it recognizes that investments in infrastructure provide opportunities for growth. Government is committed to economic development which includes making strategic investments that benefit rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Through these projects, government is re-affirming its commitment to community infrastructure.

"These projects will enhance services for the residents of Windsor-Springdale," said MHA Ray Hunter.

February 22, 2005 (
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs) Municipal and Provincial Affairs

$4.4 million offered to Grand Falls-Windsor under Multi-Year Capital Works Agreement

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, announced today that $4.4 million has been offered to the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor under the Multi-Year Capital Works Agreement.

"The residents of Grand Falls-Windsor should see a number of improvements in their municipal infrastructure," said Minister Byrne. "The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is pleased to once again enter into a Multi-Year Capital Works Agreement with the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor. Improvements to existing capital works and new projects will benefit the economy of this municipality."

MHA Ray Hunter said: "This is wonderful news for the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor. I am very pleased that residents will benefit from the number of improvements to the town’s infrastructure. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the infrastructure needs of our municipalities and this announcement today is a clear indication of this commitment."

"We have identified several key areas where we will be using this funding," said Walwin Blackmore, Mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor. "Everything from street construction to water and sewer improvements to a new fire rescue truck to community infrastructure will be upgraded over the next three years. We have really tried to meet the needs of all our residents in prioritizing all of these projects. I am really looking forward to when we can start work on these projects. The Grand Falls-Windsor town council was pleased to accept this agreement."

The provincial government has committed $85 million under the 2005-08 Multi-Year Capital Works Program. This program is cost-shared on a 50/50 basis between the provincial government and larger municipalities.

In total, combined with the Municipal Capital Works Program and the Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program, governments have committed $140 million for municipal infrastructure. It is estimated that these programs will create approximately 90,000 person weeks of employment throughout the province.

The Youth (2000) Centre, a youth-driven organization located in Grand Falls-Windsor, has received a $10,000 contribution from the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.

The one-time grant, awarded through the Student Investment and Opportunity Corporation, will assist in the centre’s after-school tutoring/literacy program for area youth. The program focuses on literacy and homework help by incorporating fun, skill-building activities for participants.

"Assisting young people with the many challenges facing them in today’s society is an important function for communities," said Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "This funding will help The Youth (2000) Centre provide an opportunity for youth who need assistance with academic challenges to reach their full potential in a productive and positive setting."

Dave Denine, Parliamentary Secretary for the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Ray Hunter, MHA for Windsor-Springdale, presented youth representing the centre with the department's contribution on Monday, December 6.

"This funding is very important to the centre," said Florence Cross, adult chairperson of the centre. "The grant will be used to further develop after-school programs, specifically the Homework Haven and Craft/Woodworking room. Programs which improve academic performance, but also enhance life skills for the youth, are basically the two broader goals of Y2C. This grant will assist greatly with both."

The Youth (2000) Centre was established in June 1999 and provincially incorporated in June 2000. The organization is guided by a board of directors, consisting of youth representatives and adult mentors from various professional backgrounds. A building to house the centre was donated by the Windsor Pentecostal Assemblies. Through much work and dedication, the repairs and renovations to the building were completed and the centre opened in April 2003.