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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Tourism, Culture and Recreation Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs March 15, 2007 Fund Supports Winter Fun in Labrador The Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development was pleased to support two major winter attractions held annually in Labrador: the second annual Cain's Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race and Snobreak 2007. Both events kicked off last week in Labrador and were supported by the department�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. The department provided $53,540 and $6,000 to Cain�s Quest and Snobreak, respectively. Cain�s Quest applied its funding towards building upon the success of its inaugural race in 2006, which made a considerable impact on the snowmobiling circuit throughout Atlantic Canada. With its funding, Snobreak has expanded its activities for the 2007 schedule to include ice carving events. "Winter activities, particularly those that attract high participation numbers and visitors from other areas, are becoming increasingly important to this region�s economic base," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "These events increase non-resident visitation to the area and promote Labrador�s winter tourism opportunities, thereby increasing tourism potential and diversifying the local economy. Supporting these events will help the industry�s overall development in Labrador." "Our provincial tourism industry is growing in a variety of directions to include new sectors such as adventure tourism and winter tourism," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "It is encouraging to see the positive reaction these sectors are having on local economies and community spirit across our province." Cain�s Quest is a 2,000 kilometre snowmobile endurance race throughout western and central Labrador. Riders endure varying terrains, harsh elements and unfamiliar territory. The race is a six to seven day event that begins in Labrador City and continues to Churchill Falls, then Happy Valley-Goose Bay and returns to Labrador City, with compulsory layovers during each leg of the journey. Cain= s Quest is an initiative implemented by the White Wolf Snowmobile club in partnership with the Labrador West Tourism Association and the Hyron Regional Economic Development Board. The event attracts considerable attention both from within and outside these regions, with almost 50 per cent of the 2007 registrants being non-residents of the province. Also, Cain�s Quest promotes Labrador= s winter tourism opportunities on international fronts through extensive coverage by national sport syndicated stations and major snowmobile publications. The race will conclude when all participants have made their way over the finish line in the coming days.The Honourable John Hickey, Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, is optimistic this event can become the snowmobiler�s equivalent of Alaska�s Iditarod. "A unique location, a superb event and a top-notch organizing committee add up to unlimited potential for this challenging snowmobile race," said Minister Hickey. "Cain's Quest is something that this government and I, as minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, are proud to support." Snobreak is an annual winter tourism event held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and targets markets across the province and along Quebec�s north shore. It is an initiative of the Lake Melville Tourism Association, and is growing in importance as a major component of the association�s winter tourism program. This year, the event is being hosted from March 10�18, and includes ice sculpturing for the first time in its list of events. The funding provided allowed for the purchase of an ice-making machine to enable participants at this year�s festivities to engage in ice sculpturing competitions. The Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund is a $5 million fund of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and a component of the province�s Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy. The fund provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification. -30- Media contacts:
2007 03 15 12:30 p.m.
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