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CONSTRUCTIONConstruction activity increased significantly in 1999, led by an increase of 28.9% in construction investment. Gains were broadly-based, incorporating non-residential, residential, and public infrastructure projects. The value of building permits increased in 1999 in most major centres in the Province. Construction employment averaged 11,600, an increase of 21% from 1998. Non-Residential Construction Public sector construction investment, valued at $423 million, included an array of infrastructure such as hospital and school facilities, municipal water and sewer systems, and transportation networks and facilities. Major transportation projects included upgrading of the Trans Canada Highway, and construction of the Trans Labrador Highway and major by-pass roads. Additional developments included upgrading of harbour facilities, ferry terminals, and airport facilities. The Davis Inlet to Sango Bay re-location program continued in 1999, employing on average 30 local workers at any given time. For a comprehensive listing of major projects, see the Major Projects section. Residential Construction Single unit housing starts increased to 1,233 in 1999, an increase of almost 14% from 1998. Urban centres (the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area and the Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Labrador City Census Areas) accounted for 803 of these units, an increase of 38% from 1998, and rural areas accounted for 430 units, a decrease of 15%. Overall, new starts totalled 1,371 in 1999, a decline of 5.4% from 1998. This decrease is attributable to a fall in multiple unit starts (e.g., apartment units, houses with basement apartments). Trans Labrador Highway Phase I of the project consisted of upgrading the existing road from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Labrador City. This phase was completed in 1999 at a cost of $57 million. Phase II commenced in 1999 and consists of a 380 km highway from Red Bay to Cartwright. This phase will be completed by 2002 at a cost of $133 million. About $30 million of this cost was expended in 1999. Government is committed to completing "The Great Circle Route" with a link from Cartwright to Happy Valley-Goose Bay (Phase III), and is seeking funding assistance from the federal government. New Terminal at St. John’s Airport
Artist: N. Mills |