The Honourable Carol Anne Haley, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and MHA for Burin – Grand Bank , on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced the Provincial Government’s fourth project to expand wireless coverage in unserved and underserved communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through a cost-shared agreement with the Town of Lord’s Cove and Bell, the Provincial Government is contributing over $25,000 to provide cellular service in Lord’s Cove, which currently does not have any access to coverage. This non-repayable contribution represents 25 per cent of funding for the total project, which is estimated to cost over $102,000. Bell is contributing approximately $60,000, with the Town of Lord’s Cove funding the remaining portion.
This funding enables the deployment of Bell’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) broadband wireless technology throughout the community.
The Town of Lord’s Cove is located on the southern portion of the Burin Peninsula. Several new commercial enterprises have opened in Lord’s Cove in the past few years, along with the enhancement of Sandy Cove Beach.
On April 30, as part of Budget 2018 and through the Regional Development Fund, the Provincial Government issued a call for proposals that would invest $1 million in a new cost-shared cellular service pilot program, contributing up to a maximum of 25 per cent of project costs towards cellular coverage infrastructure upgrades. The remaining 75 per cent will be provided by the service provider, municipalities, private ventures, co-operatives, social enterprises and/or regional government partnerships.
Support for this initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“The introduction of cellular service to Lord’s Cove and surrounding area will further aid commercial development within the community, and support its growth and sustainability. Through The Way Forward, our government is committed to growing innovation and technology in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“I am delighted to see the introduction of cellular service in Lord’s Cove. This partnership will provide the people of the community with some of the latest broadband wireless technology. This expansion will see positive developments in a number of areas. Lord’s Cove is home to the College of the North Atlantic’s Wave Energy Research Centre, which has been garnering attention from several research institutions and bodies around the world, and will certainly benefit from this service. As well, the town has a growing tourism industry, which will also be enhanced by the provision of cell service. But mainly, it means the people of Lord’s Cove finally have a technology that meets modern communication needs.”
Honourable Carol Anne Haley
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and MHA for Burin – Grand Bank
“This is a wonderful step forward for the Town of Lord’s Cove, but also the entire Burin Peninsula region as we continue to enhance tourism and economic growth. Cellular service is a critical piece of infrastructure and a key element in our daily lives. It’s an integral part of doing business, sustaining rural communities, and growing tourism operations in the area. As outlined in Budget 2018, our government is committed and delivering on its promise for improved cellular coverage in several rural communities.”
Mark Browne
Parliamentary Secretary to Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue
“I am very pleased to know the residents of Lord’s Cove, and visitors to the town, will now be able to avail of cell phone service throughout the town. This can have nothing but a positive impact on our community. For anyone looking to settle in Lord’s Cove, or set up any sort of business, cell coverage today is a must. We appreciate the efforts of our MHA, Carol Anne Haley, for working with us to make this a reality.”
Bob Hennebury
Mayor, Town of Lord’s Cove
“Bell is proud to continue delivering broadband wireless access to underserved communities in Newfoundland and Labrador through this new investment partnership with the Town of Lord’s Cove and the Provincial Government. Expanding access to Bell’s advanced broadband infrastructure will support new opportunities for residents and businesses alike in Lord’s Cove and the broader region.”
Glen LeBlanc
Vice Chair Atlantic, Bell Canada
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Tracey Edwards
Town of Lord’s Cove
709-857-2566
Erin Sulley
Government Members Office
709-729-5036
erinsulley@gov.nl.ca
Isabelle Boulet
Bell Canada
506-457-5554, 506-478-7823
Isabelle.Boulet@bellaliant.ca