Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
July 6, 2007

Gander Tourist Chalet to be Enhanced
Thanks to Federal and Provincial Investments

The Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce will enhance the existing tourist chalet in Gander as a tourism venue thanks to investments of almost $120,000 by Canada�s New Government and $47,000 by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador..

"Canada�s New Government continues to work with its partners to strengthen the tourism industry, and in turn the economy of Atlantic Canada," 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 the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "We understand that tourism plays an important role in strengthening the region�s economy and in creating new job opportunities for Atlantic Canadians. We are proud to invest almost $120,000 in this project which will make a significant contribution to the development of the tourism industry in Gander."

"These tourist chalet improvements will generate economic benefits locally and for the region," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The improvements include much needed space for tourists using RVs that will eliminate problems with parking and congestion. Tourists will also be provided with information on local businesses services and attractions offered in the immediate Gander area and, in addition, will receive information about hotels, motels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and events and activities throughout the Kittiwake region."

This initiative will include parking lot modifications to accommodate Recreational Vehicle (RV) traffic; the development of a footpath to link the tourist chalet to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum; and the creation of a rest stop for visitors to the chalet.

"Our chalet is the main source of tourist information in Gander and throughout the Kittiwake Coast region and last year we served over 10,000 visitors," said Roger Robinson, President, Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce.  "With these enhancements we will better service existing visitors, further promote the region and encourage visitors to stay in the region for longer periods of time."

The enhanced chalet will be able to accommodate larger RVs and the rest stop will encourage more tourist traffic. The linkage from the tourist chalet to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum will improve visitor statistics of both facilities by encouraging tourists to travel between the two sites.

Canada�s New Government through ACOA is providing $119,552 for this project under the Innovative Communities Fund. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $47,000 through the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund, which provides non-repayable contributions to economic development groups and agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Julie Afonso
A/Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

709.772.2984
Lynn Evans
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
lynnevans@gov.nl.ca
Hazel Bishop
Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce
709-256-7110
 

2007 07 06                                           2:25 p.m.

 


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