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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Tourism, Culture and Recreation Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs January 22, 2008 Two Labrador Communities Receive Help to Upgrade Ski Facilities Skiing in two Labrador towns will improve thanks to Provincial Government funding. Through the province�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), $16,420 will be provided to Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the Town of Forteau will receive $26,875 towards improving ski trails and infrastructure. "There can be few better investments in a community than those that simultaneously improve the physical health of its residents while improving the economic health of its businesses," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Provincial Government is committed to contributing to the expansion of local infrastructure that benefits a community and its residents."The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, noted the investments will complement the Provincial Government�s efforts to promote more active, healthy lifestyles, as outlined in Active Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador � A Recreation and Sport Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador. "Developing and improving recreation and sport opportunities in the province plays an essential role in keeping the population active," said Minister Jackman. "This investment will not only contribute to the economic and social development of the community, but it is also a step toward helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians achieve their optimal state of wellness." "I am delighted to see funding going towards these ski clubs," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "Labrador winters are exciting and cross-country skiing is a fun and healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. This investment will further improve our impressive cross-country ski clubs and I congratulate both clubs for their outstanding work over the past years." Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club will use the funding to upgrade trails and expand its parking lot. The Town of Forteau will renovate ski trails and a chalet, and install a lift for downhill tubing with its funding. The total cost of the two projects is $213,696. "Once these improvements are completed they will attract people from southeastern Labrador and the Quebec North Shore and bring economic opportunities to the service sector at a time of the year when traditionally economic activity is slow," said Terry Hancock, deputy mayor for the Town of Forteau. "Birch Brook Nordic Ski club is fast becoming one of the most frequently used facilities in the community," said John Bookalam, director with the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club. "Our goal is to bring provincial and winter competitions to the area and make our facility part of a winter tourism package that will attract tourists." The RSDF 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:
2008 01 22 9:50 a.m. |
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