CEEP keeps on keeping on

By Mark Squibb

A number of communities along the Irish Loop will see money from the most recent round of Community Enhancement Employment Program (CEEP) funding.

The funding allows towns and local service districts to hire residents to complete community projects on the Province’s dime and is often used to top up people short on work weeks to qualify for employment insurance benefits.

The Town of Bay Bulls will receive $5,540 to renovate an existing space at Town Hall into a dual-purpose tourist information center and small museum, which will include a section dedicated to the history of military service within the community. The Town hopes to finish the renovations before the opening of the next tourism season.

The Town of Cape Broyle is getting $24,624 for renovations to the town office and community centre, upgrades to the cemetery, and winterization of the playground and ballfield.

Renews-Cappahayden is getting $66,759 for a number of projects, including the creation of a lookout point at “The Mount,” establishment of an outdoor food pantry, enhancement of community spaces, decoration of the community walking trail for the Christmas season, and a new touch of paint at the town hall.

The Town of Trepassey will receive $50,852, which will be used to upgrade the tennis and basketball court, upgrade Northwest Park, build picnic tables and garage boxes to be placed around town, and paint the Trepassey Management Corporation Building.

Riverhead is getting $20,000 for work on its community walking trail, while St. Vincents-St. Stephens-Peter’s River will get $20,971 for a Whale Watching Boardwalk.

Gaskiers-Point La Haye was approved for $28,085 for projects to improve tourism and development but will be submitting an amended application.

All told, the provincial government is spending $4.7 million on 151 projects throughout the island and Labrador, with more funding expected later this year.