1. Home
2. Media Room
3. News Releases 2011
4. The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland Announce Investments in Infrastructure

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland Announce Investments in Infrastructure

No. H031/11
For release - March 23, 2011

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, today announced new investments in infrastructure projects that will increase the efficiency of the transportation system, contributing to long-term economic prosperity in the province. The federal government will contribute up to $15.68 million to these projects, while the provincial contribution will amount to $14.43 million. The total value of the projects is in excess of $43 million.

"Building strong transportation infrastructure is an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador's future prosperity," said Minister MacKay. "Our government is proud to partner with the provincial government to benefit thousands of people and to realize Newfoundland and Labrador's full potential as a transportation corridor."

"The provincial government is pleased to support projects that expand the capacity and efficiency of transportation infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Sullivan. "By supporting improvements at the St. John's and Gander International Airports, as well as the continued development of SmartBay in Placentia Bay, we are taking important steps in cementing the province's position as a transportation hub in the North Atlantic and inviting new opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador's business community. As a government, we also look forward to continuing to advance transportation infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in collaboration with the federal government."

The investments include the installation of a category III instrument landing system at St. John's International Airport. Funding will also make it possible to construct a new roll-on/roll-off ramp at the Port of Argentia; rehabilitate the runway at Gander International Airport; and expand the SmartBay project of the Marine Institute by installing additional buoys and sensors to enhance marine traffic management in Placentia Bay.

Federal support for these projects is from the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, which is designed to support transportation and trade-related infrastructure at Canada's strategic gateways and border crossings. Funding is conditional on meeting all applicable federal eligibility and approval requirements.

For information on the Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor Strategy, and associated project funding, please visit www.atlanticgateway.gc.ca.

– 30 –

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

---

Backgrounder

New Strategic Infrastructure Investments in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Port of Argentia: Roll-on/Roll-off Ramp
  Description: This Port of Argentia project consists of the construction of a new roll-on/roll-off ramp to complement short sea shipping operations.
  Total Investment: $2.5 million. Canada's component is up to $1.25 million, with the remainder to be provided by the port.
• Gander International Airport: Runway Upgrade
  Description: This project involves the rehabilitation of runway 3-21. This improvement will facilitate increased trade and traffic through the airport.
  Total Investment: $10 million. Canada’s component is up to $3.33 million, with the remainder to be provided by the airport authority and the province.
• St. John’s International Airport: Instrument Landing System
  Description: This project involves installing a category III instrument landing system to aid in navigation in and out of the airport, particularly in foggy conditions. These upgrades will facilitate increased traffic and improve the reliability, safety and efficiency of the airport.
  Total Investment: $25.8 million. Canada’s component is up to $8.6 million, with the remainder to be provided equally by the airport authority and the province.
• Marine Institute of Memorial University: SmartBay Expansion
  Description: This project involves additional buoys and sensors to enhance marine traffic management and maintain safe operations in Placentia Bay, a high-traffic and significant industrial area of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  Total Investment: $5 million. Canada’s component is up to $2.5 million, with the remainder to be provided by the province.

March 2011

Date modified:

2011-09-27

Primary navigation