A new interpretation centre at Holyrood Pond in St. Stephen�s officially opened its doors today. The interpretation centre will highlight the spectacular natural and cultural heritage of the southern Avalon Peninsula.

"Canada�s New Government understands that strong tourism is key to job creation and strengthening economic opportunities for Atlantic Canadians," said Fabian Manning, MP for Avalon, on behalf of Canada�s New Government. "The Holyrood Pond Interpretation Centre will make an important contribution to the development of tourism infrastructure in this part of the Avalon Peninsula".

The new centre was built thanks to an investment of nearly $500,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) ($391,654), the provincial Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development ($67,703) and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, administered by Service Canada ($39,329).

"The opening of this interpretation centre adds significant value to the Irish Loop region, particularly in the St. Vincent�s-St. Stephen�s-Peter�s River area, through improved appreciation of Holyrood Pond and expanded services to sport fishers and boat and water enthusiasts," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "It is a welcome addition to tourism infrastructure in the area, and should provide an enhanced experience to the thousands of people who visit the region annually."

"Holyrood Pond and St. Vincent�s Beach hold great tourism potential. Where else can one find a pond that is 16 miles long, a mile wide, is home to 32 different species of fish, and where whales come so close to the beach that you can almost touch them?" said Sheila Lee, chair of the Holyrood Pond Development Committee. "The generous funding provided by ACOA, Service Canada and INTRD has resulted in the construction of a beautiful intrepretation centre and slipway/floating dock system. Such infrastructure will encourage tourists to come, stay awhile in our area and contribute to the local economy."

Holyrood Pond is located in an area on the southern Avalon Peninsula noted for spectacular coastal scenery, the East Coast Trail, whale watching, and the Avalon Caribou Herd.

The pond itself is unique; it�s actually classified as a land-locked fjord and has over 30 species of both fresh and saltwater fish.

The funding for this project was provided through ACOA�s Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). SCIF provided $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages the development of strategic sectors. This fund, administered by ACOA, was a component of the $700 million Atlantic Investment Partnership (AIP).

INTRD is funding 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.

Service Canada is providing support for this project under the Job Creation Partnerships (JCPs), part of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

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2007 05 25                                                        3:00 p.m.