Following the completion of additional environmental and structural assessments, the Provincial Government has determined that the Martin Gallant Building in Stephenville Crossing will need to be demolished and plans for redevelopment of the facility will not proceed.

The decision follows further investigation of the building and site, which have identified significant challenges that substantially increase the complexity, risk and cost of rehabilitation. The latest findings include contaminated soil, the presence of lead paint and significant structural deficiencies that would require extensive remediation and reconstruction work before the building could be safely occupied. As a result, it has been concluded that redevelopment of the existing structure is no longer a viable or fiscally responsible option.

A copy of the consultant’s report can be found here.

In June, the Provincial Government cancelled the previously awarded contract for the redevelopment of the building following a review of the project which identified significant risks related to cost escalation, delays, design issues and site conditions. It was also noted at the time that the previous administration had advanced the original redevelopment plan without the level of due diligence and site analysis that would typically be expected before committing to a project of this scale and complexity.

The department will now move forward with plans to safely decommission and demolish the building while ensuring all environmental requirements are met.

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of maintaining a provincial presence in the region and will continue to assess the status and suitability of existing government office space in the area to ensure government services continue to be delivered effectively. The department will also continue discussions with local stakeholders regarding priorities for the Stephenville Crossing area.

The Provincial Government remains committed to ensuring infrastructure investments for Newfoundland and Labrador are supported by thorough planning, sound analysis and responsible stewardship of public funds.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will provide further information on demolition timelines and next steps as the planning advances.

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“When our government initially reviewed the project for the redevelopment of the Martin Gallant Building, we had serious concerns about its overall feasibility and long-term value for taxpayers. Now, the additional work we have undertaken has identified issues that should have been fully understood before the original major project decisions were made, and leaves us with no option but to demolish the structure. Had these conditions been identified and assessed earlier in the process, the scope, cost and viability of the project could have been more accurately evaluated from the outset. While this is disappointing news, it would not be responsible to continue pursuing a project that no longer represents a sound investment of public funds.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

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