Town of Hawke�s Bay receives FRAM-ED funding

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and MHA - St. Barbe, is pleased to announce the province�s participation in receiving funding in the amount of $168,980, under the FRAM-ED Program for the Town of Hawke�s Bay.

"This funding will allow for the further development of the Torrent River Nature Park in the Town of Hawke�s Bay, which will provide a tourism attraction in the Igornachoix region of the Viking Trail," said Furey. "The project will not only add to the general attractions in the area, thereby increasing and extending visitors stays in the region, but it will also provide economic benefits for the Northern Peninsula."

The funding will contribute to development costs including upgrades to the comfort station, upgrades to the Hogan Trail (boardwalk), appropriate interpretative signage, a new park boundary fence, upgrades to the electrical system and tenting platforms, new doors for the tourist chalet and the hiring of a consultant to ensure that all upgrades are completed to Parks Canada Standards. The proposed development of a new fishway on the Torrent River by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be an added attraction to the park.

"I would like to thank our federal member for Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte, Gerry Byrne, for his efforts in getting this project approved, as this project will result in significant economic spin-offs for local businesses in the area including restaurants, motels, B&B�s, service stations, etc., and the construction phase will create four short-term positions with a potential to create nine seasonal jobs for residents of the Northern Peninsula," added Furey.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 07 24       4:35 p.m.