Communities blindsided as province cancels major projects, citing cost overruns
The provincial government says it is hitting the reset button on both the Cartwright school project and the Martin Gallant Building redevelopment in Stephenville Crossing.
Lisa Dempster, MHA for the area, says she was shocked to learn through a government news release that the long-awaited school project for Cartwright had been cancelled. She argues the province lacked transparency throughout the process, waiting until the House of Assembly’s spring sitting had concluded before announcing the decision.
The proposed K-to-12 school was also expected to help address local housing shortages through teacher accommodations included in the plans. Now, Dempster says the partially developed construction site has become a safety concern following the project’s cancellation. She says constituents shared photos with her today highlighting the condition of the site.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten says cancelling the projects was a difficult decision. However, he says a detailed review revealed significant cost overruns, delays, and design issues with both developments. Petten says the province’s goal is to establish clearer timelines and more predictable budgets before re-tendering the projects under revised terms.
In a statement, Stephenville Crossing Mayor Lisa Lucas says a commitment was made to her community through the redevelopment of the Martin Gallant Building. She says council intends to fight to ensure that commitment is honoured and has requested a meeting with the premier and the area’s MHA.
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