By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
December 1, 2023 Edition
The City of Mount Pearl has received $6.5 million dollars from the provincial government for municipal infrastructure improvements.
In addition to water and sewer upgrades to Holden Street and Ingerman Street, more than $3.6 million will be spent on a new community center, which will replace Park Place.
Minister of Transportation John Abbott and City and provincial officials made an appearance at the Soccer Hut on Arena Road Wednesday to announce the money, which is part of the City’s 2023-2026 multi-year capital works funding from the Province.
“These types of investments not only benefit the city, the town, or community’s sense of belonging and well being, but also generate employment opportunities and economic benefits,” Abbott said.
Larger municipalities can avail of three-year blocks of funding as part of the program, which is designed to support planning and scheduling of work for major infrastructure projects.
“All of us depend on the infrastructure that surrounds us,” Abbot said. “We want good roads to drive on, clean and safe drinking water, and structures, buildings and facilities that support our community activities.”
Mayor Dave Aker said the City is taking steps to match up Mount Pearl’s old water and sewer pipes with the new infrastructure expected to come with the eventual development of approximately 1,800 homes in the Northlands area located north of Topsail road.
“This infrastructure is not integral for us to move into those new lands and develop it, but we don’t want to be connecting new infrastructure to old,” he said. “It’s due for a replacement and this will help with growth of the city to come.”
MHA Lucy Stoyles touted the benefits of new community centre for the city’s seniors, who she said are reluctant to use the current facility because of its age.
“Most of the seniors won’t get in that elevator because they’re afraid it’s going to break down,” said Stoyles.
