Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
December 1, 2006

The project is made possible through a contribution of $305,023 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and $101,880 from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (INTRD).

The development of the humpback whale pavilion and humpback whale exhibit in King's Point will form part of a phased process of developing a Whale Tour Network throughout the Green Bay and White Bay areas.

"Canada�s new government is working with partners to build vibrant communities across the country. Through our investment in this project, we are supporting the development of the tourism sector in Newfoundland," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA. "This project will allow for the development of an exhibition pavilion that will provide visitors in the Green Bay area with information on whale watching and research."

The development of a Humpback Whale Exhibit at King's Point is in line with previous marketing efforts of the Green Bay and White Bay areas and enriches the partnerships already developed by individual communities, economic development associations and the tourism association in the region.

"The development of natural history exhibits attracts cultural tourists who want to learn about the history of our province," said the Honourable Paul Shelley, MHA for Baie Verte, and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "I congratulate the King�s Point Heritage Society on undertaking this initiative which is part of the larger Great Whale Tour. Tourism is a significant economic generator for our province and I am pleased that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been able to provide assistance to this project."

The implementation of a Whale Tour Network in the Green Bay and White Bay region will positively impact the economy of the region in both the short-term and the long-term. This specific initiative in King's Point will create six short-term employment positions and positively influence suppliers and services in the region. Two direct seasonal positions will result from the development dedicated to maintenance and interpretation at the site.

"We believe the completed Whale Tour Network will constitute an entirely new world class reason to visit our province and we are so very proud to have pioneered this innovative approach to regional cooperation and development," said Ms. Linda Yates, President of the King�s Point Heritage Society.

ACOA�s funding is from the Innovative Communities Fund which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.

INTRD funded this project from its Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund which provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

2006 12 01                                                    3:55 p.m.