Investments in infrastructure benefit the economy and improve services for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. For example, new long-term care homes in Central Newfoundland resulted in hundreds of jobs for tradespeople during construction, new full-time health care jobs, and residents receiving care close to home. In 2022-23, government’s $567 million investment in infrastructure will continue creating jobs and improving services.

Health Care

Investments in health care infrastructure lead to better health care services. Budget 2022 commits $154 million for health care infrastructure, including:

• $43.7 million to continue construction of the new 164-bed west coast hospital in Corner Brook and the 102 new adult mental health and addictions hospital in St. John’s. The two projects combined are anticipated to create approximately 1,400 jobs for tradespeople during construction.
• $27 million to replace equipment at health care facilities in the province.
• $1.9 million to complete the new six-bed mental health unit at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which will open this year.

Education

Education investments create better and safer learning environments for students and enhanced working environments for teachers. This year, government is investing $35.9 million in education infrastructure, which includes:

• $16.7 million for alterations and improvements to schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
• $10.2 million over two years to convert the former School for the Deaf into a K-12 Francophone school. Grades 7-12 will begin at the school in September, and work will continue for the remaining grades to attend the school the following year.

Justice

Budget 2022 allocates funding for a courthouse and correctional facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, including:

• $6 million to begin construction of 18 cells to accommodate 36 incarcerated individuals at the Labrador Correctional Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, reducing the need for transports to other facilities.
• $3.7 million to continue procurement of a new correctional facility to replace Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s.
• $1 million to convert the former College of the North Atlantic campus into a public building and courthouse for the Bay St. George area.

Tourism and Recreation

Budget 2022 includes $1.9 million for infrastructure for tourism and recreational facilities, including:

• $1.3 million for equipment maintenance at Marble Mountain.
• $500,000 for upgrades for the existing boardwalk nature trail, adjacent wildlife viewing stations and, animal holding enclosures at Salmonier Nature Park.

Transportation

Budget 2022 allocates $169.5 million for the improvement and maintenance of the province’s transportation network:

• Approximately $151.4 million in highway paving, bridges and culverts which reflects an approximate $10 million increase.
• $10 million for vessel refits.
• Approximately $7.6 million in marine transportation and infrastructure improvements.

Municipal Infrastructure

Investments in municipal infrastructure help municipalities provide better services for their residents. Budget 2022 is investing $259.5 million in municipalities, including:

• More than $141 million available through such programs as Municipal Operating Grants, Special Assistance Grants, Community Enhancement Employment Program and the Canada Community Building Fund.
• More than $73 million for community infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
• $10 million for projects under the Municipal Capital Works Program.

Infrastructure Planning

Budget 2022 includes $1.25 million for planning of future infrastructure projects, such as:

• New schools in Cartwright, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and Kenmount Terrace, St. John’s.
• The redevelopment of Dorset Collegiate in Pilley’s Island.
• Improvements to the National War Memorial in St. John’s.