Improvements announced for tourism on Port au Port Peninsula

Funding was announced today for the construction of four new rest stops at key locations on the Port au Port Peninsula. L'Association R�gional de la cote ouest will receive $345,655 through the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative (EDC), to carry out the work over the next two years.

The new rest stops will have parking spaces, interpretive signage, picnic areas and other amenities designed to provide travelers with comfortable, scenic places to rest and enjoy their visit. Before work begins, L�Association R�gional de la cote ouest will conduct community consultations to identify the more appropriate sites. Work is expected to be completed by March of 2002.

"This is a very special part of Newfoundland, and I am pleased that the community is working to encourage more visits to the area," said MP Bill Matthews who made the funding announcement behalf of George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Improving our tourism infrastructure will bring long-term benefits to this region and to the rest of the province."

Chuck Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, speaking on behalf of Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, noted that the west coast is building a tourism product without rival. "We�ve come a long way, but there are still many areas which need to be developed. The French Ancestors Route is a culturally unique part of the province, and I am very pleased that L�Association R�gional de la cote ouest has taken the lead on this important project."

"We are delighted that this project has been approved. This infrastructure will certainly enhance the attractiveness of our area and make the tour of the French Ancestors Route more enjoyable. Visitors will be able to stop at a secure and attractive location to rest, take pictures or simply admire the natural beauty of the ocean and landscape," said Director General, Robert Cormier of L�Association R�gional de la cote ouest.

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.

For further information, please contact:

Doug Burgess
ACOA
(709) 772-2935

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

Sandra Barter
L�Association R�gional de la cote ouest, Inc.
(709) 642-5254

2000 09 22              3:30 p.m.