The Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), part of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development�s strategy for economic development and regional prosperity, will provide $23,000 to the Town of Winterton to develop a small boat basin to exhibit traditional boats of Newfoundland and Labrador. Capital Coast Development Alliance will use $11,581 from the fund to collect extensive data for rural communities on the Avalon Peninsula to use in business attraction efforts.

"Attracting new business to our province is a priority for government, and it is equally important to municipalities," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "These initiatives identify opportunities for business and economic development by utilizing the strengths of our rural communities."

The Town of Winterton will use $23,000 in funding towards the creation of a small-boat basin to exhibit traditional boats of Newfoundland and Labrador, and to draw tourists to other attractions in Winterton and along the Baccalieu Trail. The town has identified tourism as a major economic generator for the community, and it has experienced significant success with other tourism ventures such as the establishment and expansion of an RV park, new walking trails and boardwalks, as well as the internationally-recognized Winterton Boat Building Museum. This project will complement the museum�s success, which has gained international acknowledgment for its work in preserving and interpreting traditional Newfoundland and Labrador boats and construction techniques. The basin is scheduled to be completed prior to the 2007 summer tourism season.

"This is a great example of how heritage and tourism interests can form partnerships that reap both cultural and economic benefits," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "This funding will assist the Winterton Boat Building Museum to develop new revenue opportunities while contributing to economic development overall through tourism."

"We are very appreciative of the funding and support we have received from government, including the efforts of our MHA, Charlene Johnson, and economic development officer Ernie Pynn," said Jim Harnum, Mayor of Winterton. "The funding means a great deal to this project and to our town. We are very excited about our new exhibit and look forward to its completion in the near future."

Over the last several years, Capital Coast Development Alliance (CCDA) has conducted preliminary research on promoting Newfoundland and Labrador to the North American investment market. Its research indicated the importance of having appropriate data in the appropriate user-friendly format, readily available to businesses and groups interested in relocating to or expanding in this province. As a result, CCDA is using $11,581 from RSDF fund to research and collect extensive municipal data to develop community profiles for rural communities on the Avalon Peninsula. The project will also provide up-to-date economic data for the region and identify cluster activity and investment strengths in the Capital Coast region for investment attraction purposes. The project will conclude in approximately 12 months.

"It's very encouraging to see the Capital Coast Development Alliance take an active role in marketing the region to potential investors," said the Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Business. "The research that will be conducted and the data compiled will significantly enhance the region�s ability to attract inward investors interested in doing business in the area."

"The fact remains that with any good marketing and investment attraction strategy, you have to define your market, and match the needs of the market with your strengths, products and services," said Christine Snow, executive director, Capital Coast Development Association. "This initiative allows us to document our strengths and advantages while making the market aware that we are a viable alternative with a superior product."

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