Greenways in and around the capital to be linked

A linked network of all the trails, waterways, parks and scenic attractions throughout the urban area of greater St. John's came closer to reality November 12 with the announcement of $145,000 to the Grand Concourse Authority from the federal and provincial governments. This funding will contribute to the design work of the Grand Concourse Walkway, which will eventually link 30 walkways into a pedestrian network spanning St. John's, Mount Pearl and Paradise.

Today's announcement was made by Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - ACOA) (Veterans), and Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, at Hotel Newfoundland, where they launched the Capital Coast Development Alliance Regional Economic Development Board.

The Grand Concourse Authority is a partnership of private, public and volunteer interests who have pooled their resources to create the Concourse. The authority's membership includes: the City of St. John's; C.A. Pippy Park Commission; the Town of Paradise; the St. John's Port Corporation; Virginia River Conservation Society; the Holiday Inn; Quidi Vidi Rennies River Development Foundation; Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation; Parks Canada; and the Johnson Family Foundation, among others.

"When we talk of government accomplishing more with less, we are talking about partnerships such as these," said Mr. MacAulay. "The Grand Concourse concept is creating lasting partnerships which will benefit the community as a whole. The design work on the Concourse will be incentive enough to attract other partners to this grand vision."

"The development of Greenways and walking trails have been shown to improve the overall appeal of a community to both prospective tourists and residents alike," said Ms. Foote. "With more money being spent on recreation oriented services in the communities, this will contribute to the long-term economic benefit of the region. The Grand Concourse Authority has demonstrated that this potential exists here and through partnering with government and the private sector, has made this walkway network a reality."

Already the city has received expressions of interest from tour operators wanting to include the Grand Concourse on their itineraries. The Concourse will form a part of the Cross Canada Trail project and is currently being used in the City's pre-conference bidding for meetings and conventions. On its own, the conference portion of the tourism industry contributed $10 million to the local economy in 1995. That figure is expected to increase dramatically in 1997 because of the Cabot 500 celebrations. The potential for the Concourse to have long-term positive implications through its contribution to the tourism sector is already being demonstrated. The Grand Concourse will contribute to the quality of experience tourists to the region will enjoy, which has the potential to increase visitation levels in subsequent years.

The $145,000 financial contribution was made possible under Canada/ Newfoundland Strategic Regional Diversification COOPERATION Agreement. The Agreement is cost-shared 70:30 between the federal and provincial governments, respectively. It is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

Contact: Paul Murphy, COOPERATION Communications, (709) 772-0219 or Susan Laite, Department of Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729-4570.