Supporting Families and Communities Premier Announces $30 Million for Community Initiatives

Supporting Families and Communities Premier Announces $30 Million for Community Initiatives


October 29, 2015

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is proposing to a construct a wellness center in partnership with the YMCA. Phase one will include aquatics facilities, gymnasium, walking track, fitness center, and child care spaces for 60 children.

  • January 22, 2016

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a $30 million investment in four significant community initiatives. The funding was provided through amendments made by the Provincial Government to the Voisey’s Bay Development Agreement, which included a $30 million commitment for community initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. The $30 million will be invested in the following projects:

  • $12 million for supportive housing and health supports for vulnerable populations across the province;
  • $11 million for a new wellness centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
  • $4.5 million for a new pool in Placentia; and,
  • $2.5 million in funding for a cardiovascular hybrid operating room at the Health Sciences Centre.

“Today’s announcement is very significant for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. With the $30 million commitment from Vale, we are now able to move ahead on these important community initiatives. These investments will play a pivotal role in addressing the growing need for supportive housing in Newfoundland and Labrador for some of our most vulnerable people, and will enhance care for cardiac patients in the province as well. Funding will also support two new facilities for the residents of Happy Valley Goose-Bay and Placentia-both great outlets to encourage increased physical activity and involvement in recreational programming. We thank Vale for their commitment to the province and to sustaining economic and employment benefits for many years to come.” – The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Approximately $12 million is being provided to begin a new Housing for Health grant application program. Through an annual investment of $4 million over three years, the program will play a pivotal role in addressing the need for supportive housing and health supports for vulnerable populations, such as those living with mental health and addictions. As well, an investment of $2.5 million will be provided to support the development of a cardiovascular hybrid operating room at the Health Sciences Centre. This operating room will provide state-of-the-art care for patients by combining traditional diagnostic functions of a cardiac catheter lab with the surgical functions of an operating room for improved and less invasive surgical care.

“Our government continues to work to enhance the health and well-being of the people of our province and this announcement today comes as a result of that commitment. This funding from Vale will make a very real difference in the lives of vulnerable residents in need of crucial housing and health supports, as well as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in need of specialized cardiac care at the Health Sciences Centre.” – The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is proposing to a construct a wellness center in partnership with the YMCA. Phase one will include aquatics facilities, gymnasium, walking track, fitness center, and child care spaces for 60 children.