August 23, 1996
(Executive Council)

Funding confirmed for Cabot Stadium in Bonavista

The Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal is providing $1,235,000 for upgrading of the Cabot Stadium in Bonavista in preparation for the 1997 Cabot 500 anniversary celebrations. The funding was announced today by Rear-Admiral Fred Mifflin, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Veterans' Affairs, and by Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Mifflin said the project will ensure that Bonavista has a suitable venue to accommodate numerous activities during 1997. "Improvements to the Cabot Stadium are part of an overall federal/provincial strategy to develop the province's tourism potential. The facility will benefit the people of the Bonavista area and the many visitors to the area long after the 1997 celebrations are over. The project improves tourism infrastructure and encourages the private sector to invest in the tourism sector as a growth area. In the long- term, the stadium will serve the area well in providing an appropriate facility for a range of tourism-related and community activities."

Emphasizing the importance of the project, Ms. Kelly said, "All eyes will be on Bonavista and we want to present the best experience to both residents of the province and to the many tourists from all over the world who will flock to Bonavista. The stadium project is a good example of how government is investing in projects that are compatible with the province's efforts to build a sound tourism industry that showcases the culture and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The project will entail water and sewer work to ensure that the stadium meets all health and safety standards and can handle large public gatherings. Improvements will also be made to the electrical system, washrooms, change rooms and catering facilities. The stadium will be further enhanced by structural improvements to the roof, floor, steel framework and exterior siding.

Tenders for the Cabot Stadium will be called immediately with work expected to start in early October.

The Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal is a $100 million federal-provincial initiative aimed at generating long-term economic benefits for the province in growth industries such as tourism, aquaculture, and advanced technology.

Contact:

• Ellen Alcock
  Communications Officer
  Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal
  (709) 772-5116

  Laura Cochrane
  Director of Commuincations
  Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
  (709) 729-0928