Paul Davis spends $30M Vale fund on housing, recreation, health

The provincial government revealed Thursday how it plans to spenda $30-million community fund that is being financed by mining company Vale, with supports for some of Newfoundland and Labrador's most vulnerable citizens a key component of the plan.

Premier Paul Davis announced four initiatives during an event in Placentia.

They include $12 millionfor housing and health supports for vulnerable people, $11 million for a new wellness centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, $4.5 million for a new pool in Placentia, and $2.5 millionfor a cardiovascular hybrid operating room at the Health Sciences Centre.

• Vale gets extension for exporting Voisey's Bay ore

Vale agreed to the community fund in February as part of an agreementwith the province to allow for theexport ofmore nickel concentrate from its mine in Voisey's Bay, Labrador.

In addition, the company is paying another $200million in compensation to the province.

The agreement gave Vale more time to complete its massive nickel processing plant in Long Harbour, Placentia Bay.

"We thankVale for their commitment to the province," said Davis.

The housing and health supports initiative will include $4 million per yearover three years for the Housing for Health grant program.

The funds will assist those living with mental health and addictions, and other vulnerable persons.

In Labrador, the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is proposing to partner with the YMCA to construct a wellness centre, with phase one including a pool, gymnasium, walking track, fitness centre and childcare spaces for 60 children.

"This contribution to the Labrador wellness centre project represents the most significant recreational investment the provincial government has ever made in the municipality's wellness infrastructure," said Happy Valley-Goose Bay Mayor Jamie Snook.

Placentia Mayor Wayne Power said the addition of a pool to the town's recreation complex will "help us continue to build a healthy and active community."

Vale'sStuartMacnaughton said the company is pleased to support these initiatives, "particularly those which support health related initiatives and organizations."