NLIS 4
May 18, 2000
(Government Services and Lands)

Government outlines plans for development activity on north shore of Deer Lake

Ernie McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands, today announced government�s direction for development activity on the north shore of Deer Lake.

Mr. McLean said: �My department has approved a request from the Humber Valley Resort Corporation for 400 acres of Crown Land adjacent to 200 acres of private property they currently own on the north shore.  The company requested this land to develop an 18-hole golf course and forest chalet resort.      

�Government Services and Lands will also examine the feasibility of developing several areas on the north shore for planned recreation cottage developments.  This will take approximately four months.           

�Government further intends to develop criteria for the acceptance of other commercial tourism/recreation applications for this area.  Once this criteria is developed, applications will be received subject to government�s normal application referrals and approvals.  The development of the criteria is also expected to take four months.           

Yesterday, Environment and Labour Minister Oliver Langdon announced that the HVRC project  has been released from environmental assessment.  That release is subject to the proponent conducting an historic resources survey; meeting the requirements of the Pesticides Control Regulations to ensure adequate buffers and eliminate any impacts on the Humber River; and ensuring appropriate waste disposal systems are in place.           

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, indicated his pleasure with today�s announcement.  �These announcements will have a tremendous impact on tourism.  There is great potential here in terms of employment and tourism dollars for the province.�           

Beaton Tulk, chair of the Committee on the Use of Outdoor Resources, said that these initiatives are in line with public comment heard during the outdoor resources consultation process.  �All of these announcements are extremely positive.  They are consistent with government�s priorities to preserve public access to the outdoors, to protect and conserve our resources, and where appropriate, allow other uses that support both recreational activities and economic development. Certainly, tourism-related endeavours, such as golf and other recreational sporting activities, can create employment without restricting traditional rights of access.�           

Bob Mercer, MHA for the area said: �The approval of this development and the designation of the north shore of Deer Lake primarily for tourism/recreational development is in keeping with a broader tourism strategy for the entire Humber Valley as a four season tourist destination.  This development can, and indeed must, occur with due concern for the environment.  I am sure it can provide a continuing source of income for area residents for many years to come.� 

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications,  (709) 729-4860. 

2000 05 18                                                                              10:10 a.m.