New adventure tourism investment in Codroy Valley

Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote today announced that two entrepreneurial families in western Newfoundland have received $50,000 from the department�s Small Business Seed Capital Equity Program to help establish a four-star lodge overlooking the Grand Codroy River near the community of O�Regans.

Local entrepreneurs Gerald and Marie Parsons, and Edwin and Geraldine Gale, purchased a former medical clinic and spent $250,000 converting it into a high end tourism inn (MacLellan Inn) with six luxury suites to accommodate summer and winter tourists.

Kevin Aylward, MHA for St. George�s - Stephenville East said, "I applaud the Gale and Parsons families for continuing to expand the economy of this area. They bring business experience and skills to this new tourism venture, and they are investing their own resources to help develop the local economy and create new jobs."

The location of MacLellan Inn on the banks of the Grand Codroy River makes it ideal for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. The owners intend to provide packaged activities centred about the Inn. The Inn is the only four-star establishment in the immediate area and employs three people full-time. The target market of the Inn is tourists from Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

"The development of niche adventure tourism products is part of government�s Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth to help diversify the provincial economy and create new jobs in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Foote.

The Small Business Seed Capital Equity Program makes direct equity investments in qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises. Funding must be matched by an equivalent amount of private sector business financing.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

2003 04 16                                         9:40 a.m.