Provincial Government Support Enables Holyrood Company to Operate Year-Round

Blue Fin RV Trailer Park Inc. has received a $35,000 investment from the Provincial Government to expand its recreational facility. The expanded facility enables the company to encourage visitor traffic throughout the year and add to its product offerings that can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents alike.

�Our suite of programs is tailored to help local business owners identify innovative and exciting market opportunities,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �By working closely with local tourism operators to enhance and diversify their product and service lines outside the peak season, the Provincial Government is taking the necessary steps towards a province-wide tourism industry that will generate economic activity as well as enhance visitors� experiences year-round.�

The Blue Fin RV Trailer Park offers 75 high-quality full-service sites, including the ability to accommodate RV convoys, with a focus on pursuing new export markets. Located at the intersection of the Holyrood Access Road and the Trans Canada Highway, it is near many existing attractions such as Salmonier Nature Park and Hawk Hill Ecological Reserve, providing access to a large existing tourism market.

�The main objective of this new project is to expand operations into the winter season through the introduction of such products as guided snowmobile tours and other popular winter activities,� said Blue Fin RV�s co-owner, Robert O�Keefe. �While the new facility will enhance services for our regular customers in the summer months, it is hoped that it will also become the popular resting spot for sporting enthusiasts as they enjoy the winter season.�

In 2006, Blue Fin RV Trailer Park received a $225,000 term loan through the Provincial Government to help with the development of the facility. The recreational vehicle market includes a wide array of products that target nearly every demographic. The industry has exhibited overwhelming growth in recent years, making it an exciting marketplace where companies can thrive.

�There are positive economic spin-offs for surrounding communities stemming from this project,� said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, MHA, Harbour Main. �Supporting tourism infrastructure projects of this nature creates new jobs, brings additional business to the area, and increases the region�s overall capacity to host other events.�

Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Fund is available for start-up, modernization, or expansion of a business venture in key growth sectors. A maximum of $500,000 is available per project with an applicant investment of up to 20 per cent of project costs.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2009 02 27                          11:20 a.m.