The Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the
Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative (EDC) is contributing $420,000
towards the expansion of the Exploits Valley region’s existing tourism product.
The Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation (EVEDC) is one of 20 Regional
Economic Development Boards in Newfoundland and Labrador. The board has a mandate to
identify and promote economic development priorities for the region.
The EVEDC, in partnership with the Town of Botwood, and the Exploits Valley Tourism
Association (EVTA), will combine expertise and resources to improve tourism infrastructure
in the towns of Botwood, Northern Arm, Point Leamington, Phillip’s Head, Point of
Bay, Cottrell’s Cove, Fortune harbour, Glover’s Harbour and Leading Tickles.
The EVEDC has determined that the communities identified for tourism infrastructure
improvements in this project have considerable potential for tourism expansion and have
had limited tourism promotion and development to date.
The project will build linkages between existing sites and facilities, and develop new
attractions which complement the overall tourism marketing and development plan for the
region. With coordination by the EVEDC and the Town of Botwood, individual communities
within the zone will take the responsibility for implementing projects in their respective
areas. The EVEDC and the EVTA will work together to create a marketing plan for the newly
enhanced tourism product.
The construction phase of the project as a whole will provide 700 weeks of short term
work. Municipalities, partners and individual businesses will hire an additional 10 staff
members to facilitate the expansion.
This project has been identified as a top priority of the Exploits Valley Economic
Development Corporation.
The individual elements of the project will effectively close the gaps between existing
and needed tourism activities, attractions, accommodations and services. Within the
context of the region’s positioning statement Exploits Wild and Free, the project
will greatly increase the area’s ability to attract, and retain tourists.
