The doors to the new $600,000 Materials Testing Laboratory in Mount Stewart were officially opened today by Hon. Michael Currie, Minister of Transportation and Public Works and Hon. Mildred Dover, Minister of Health and Social Services and MLA for the area.
The new facility, which boasts over 6000 square feet, will provide laboratory space required to test various materials analysed for use in the construction and maintenance of the provincial highway network, including soils, aggregates and asphaltic concrete and Portland cement concrete.
Minister Currie said today's announcement is a win-win situation for everybody. "This facility answers the need for more space for the Materials Testing Lab and it is also geographically located to better serve the needs of the Island's construction industry," Minister Currie said. "We are opening a facility today that will assist our Department with improving Island highway construction and will give the community of Mount Stewart an economic shot in the arm."
Prior to construction at the Mount Stewart site, the Materials Testing Laboratory was located at the Government Garage in Charlottetown, with less than half the floor space the current facility provides and poor ventilation.
Minister Dover said having 27 new people in Mount Stewart daily will be welcome news for the village's business community.
"It proves that our government believes in smaller communities and the need to make them stronger," said Minister Dover. "I have every confidence the facility will serve the construction industry very well and bring new people and opportunities to the Mount Stewart area."
There are currently 20 permanent employees at the Materials Testing Lab and that number will increase by seven by the summer of 1999. About 30 casual employees will also be needed during the construction season.