A new exhibit and trail signage at the Carmanville Wetlands Interpretation Centre were unveiled at an official opening Saturday. The new exhibit will help educate visitors about the importance of caring for local wetland and marine areas.

Thanks to an investment of $97,830 made by Canada�s New Government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and $26,340 from the provincial departments of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development ($16,340), and Tourism, Culture and Recreation ($10,000), interpretive exhibits and signs are installed and ready for viewing for the 2007 tourism season.

"Canada�s New Government is working with its partners to get things done for the people of rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA. "Our investment of close to $98,000 has allowed the Carmanville Wetlands Interpretation Centre and nature trail to develop a permanent interpretive exhibit, trailside signage and interpretive resources. Our government is committed to supporting initiatives that build strong communities."

"The environment has been identified by many Canadians as their number one concern," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "I congratulate the Carmanville Habitat Committee on their efforts. The Carmanville Wetlands Interpretation Centre demonstrates that the people of the Carmanville area are dedicated to preserving their environment."

"We are very proud of what we have achieved working together in our community and with government to establish a high quality tourist attraction," said Carmanville Mayor Ted Goodyear. "The new exhibits and trail signage help to build on this work. The centre and nature trail are important to our environment, and to the economy of this region."

The new exhibit focuses in part on the great forest fire of 1961, which dramatically changed the ecological and cultural life of the community. There is also an emphasis on Carmanville as an unusual example of a coastal community with economic roots in the forestry.

"We are thrilled to have the support of the federal and provincial governments in this project," said Diane Eastman, president of the Carmanville Habitat Committee. "Over the years we have worked hard as a community to establish a high quality attraction that not only draws visitors to our area, but highlights the importance of conservation and stewardship of our wetlands."

The grand opening of the new interpretive exhibit takes place during a special weekend of events that bring together stewardship groups from communities across the province.

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2007 05 28                                                          11:05 a.m.