August 21, 1998
(Executive Council)

Blomidon golf course to receive major upgrade

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced a financial contribution of $1.2 million towards major redevelopment and upgrading of the Blomidon Golf Course in Corner Brook, Premier Brian Tobin said today.

The funding is comprised of a $900,000 provincial allocation under the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal, $50,000 from the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and a $250,000 partnership contribution from the Blomidon Golf and Country Club.

"Tourism is at the forefront of emerging opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador," the premier said. "Diversifying our tourism market, and capitalizing on the sightseeing/touring and convention and meetings sectors is essential as we continue to evolve as a sought-after destination."

The premier said that golf is a major supporter of the meetings and conventions sector, and the expansion and upgrading of the Blomidon course in Corner Brook will play a key role in the city's meeting and convention aspirations.

"The Blomidon development will meet a long-identified need for a good quality course in a high potential tourism area of the province," he said.

The facility is in the process of changing its organizational structure to open play to non-members, including the tourist trade. With the completion of the convention centre in Corner Brook, and the plans to establish a visitors and convention bureau for the region, the premier added, the city will be well-positioned to target the meetings and conventions market.

The premier noted that golf is a natural addition to the province's tourism infrastructure, and a pursuit which is keenly sought by visitors and residents. A 1995 study for the tourism department indicated the market demand for golf is expected to increase steadily for the foreseeable future, while also noting that in contrast to other Atlantic provinces, the tourism golf product in Newfoundland and Labrador was seriously underdeveloped.

"The province's golf strategy is directly linked to the development of the province's sightseeing and touring market segment, and especially the conference and meetings market," the premier said. "Our aim is to develop a series of good quality golf courses which can be packaged and promoted in regional destinations throughout the province."

Today's announcement stems from a larger strategy of enticing increased visitation to our province, and enhancing the range of pursuits and experiences these visitors can find in Newfoundland and Labrador," the premier added.

Contact:

Heidi Bonnell
Office of the Premier
(709) 729-3564

Dave MacDonald
Blomidon Golf and Country Club
(709) 634-2523

1998 08 21                                        10:45 a.m.