Whale watching made easy in St. Vincent�s - St. Stephen�s - Peter�s River

A new boardwalk and viewing platform have made whale-watching easy for visitors to the beach at St. Vincent�s. The new structure affords a spectacular view, complete with seating area and coin-operated binoculars. Previous to the installation of the platform, the beach was inaccessible to many, in particular those with physical disabilities. A favorite spot for bird-watching and beach- combing, the beach is a combination of loose sand and rock and is not visible from the road. The project was identified as a priority by the Irish Loop Regional Economic Development Board.

Funding of $93,396 for the project, which employed 10 people in the construction phase, came from the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative.

Senator Joan Cook, speaking on behalf of George Baker, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, was joined by Jim Anstey, regional director for the Department of Development and Rural Renewal, who spoke on behalf of Minister Beaton Tulk at the opening of the new facility. "The people of this community have faced some difficult realities in recent years," said Senator Cook. "Projects like this one are small steps that will help us build stronger, more resilient economies for the future of all of our rural communities. "

"Tourism has shown very impressive growth in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past five years. Every time we add value to our tourism product we increase our potential. And I have little doubt that this addition to an already magnificent natural attraction will bring many tourists to this area," said Mr. Anstey.

The viewing platform is designed to be removed and stored during the off-season. "We�re really looking forward to welcoming more people to our community this summer," said Mayor Pat Stamp. "We have a lot to offer, and I�d certainly like to encourage people to come out and see for themselves what a wonderful facility we have here now."

The three-year $81.25 million Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative (EDC) was signed on August 16, 1999. The agreement is designed to build upon the strategic plans and priorities of the regional economic development boards to improve the long-term economic climate in regions impacted by the downturn in the groundfish industry.

It is delivered federally by ACOA and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

Media contact:

Doug Burgess
ACOA
(709) 772-2935

Josephine Cheeseman
Department of Development and Rural Renewal
(709) 729-4570

Madonna Stamp
Town Clerk
Town of St. Vincent�s - St. Stephen�s - Peter�s River
(709) 525-2540

2000 06 28                                     10:35 a.m.