Press Release Archive

Argentia Property and Port Returned to Community Ownership
Press Release - January 4, 2002

ARGENTIA, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR - Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and the Argentia Management Authority (AMA) reached an agreement that saw all remaining Government of Canada property from the former United States Naval Facility, Argentia, transferred to the AMA. The announcement was made today by the Hon.Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry Canada, on behalf of the Hon. Alfonso Gagliano, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.

The agreement will transfer ownership of the Northside of Argentia, the port facility and the Government of Canada portion of the Northesast Arm Recreation Camp to the Argentia Management Authority with a contribution over a 10-year period to subsidize port operations. The agreement also allows for substantial port infrastructure improvements to address health and safety issues on that property.

"Today marks another milestone in Argentia's colorful history as, after 60 years of Government ownership, we turn back this important property to the people of the Placentia area" said Minister Tobin. "This agreement will enable the Argentia Management Authority to continue to pursue economic development opportunities for Argentia and for the benefit of the people of this area. It also allows Public Works and Government Services Canada to continue with the environmental remediation of the site."

This is the second land transfer agreement between PWGSC and the AMA. On May 12, 1999, ownership of the Southside and Backlands area of the former U.S. Naval Facility was transferred to the AMA, who have since opened an industrial park on the site.

The Government of Canada, through PWGSC, remains responsible for the remediation of all U.S. Navy contamination in Argentia under the 10 year, $81 million Argentia Environmental Remediation Project. This remediation program is approximately 70 per cent completed.

For further information, please contact:
Dan Green, Chairperson
(709) 227-5502