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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
November 4, 2009

Deer Lake to Commence Development Plan

A $118,000 investment from the Provincial Government is enabling the Town of Deer Lake to begin its multi-phase tourism and recreation plan. The long-term development plan capitalizes on the region�s natural assets to improve recreational opportunities in an effort to attract outdoor enthusiasts to the area.

"The growing appetite for visiting our province creates an opportunity for all communities," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Town of Deer Lake has done a good job in recognizing this opportunity and need for tourism-related infrastructure that will benefit its residents and attract more visitors. The Provincial Government supports the town�s plan because it outlines how new tourism and recreation venues will create regional, community-based, and tourism-oriented business opportunities."

Scheduled to begin in spring 2010, the initial phase will include trail development and beautification along the banks of the Upper Humber River and Humber River Golf Club, complemented by the nature-viewing interpretative materials for trail use and signage. The development is highly-anticipated by the area�s organizations seeking to have their facilities linked by the trail, improving their ability to attract tourists.

"Our local attractions and easy access to the picturesque Humber Valley make Deer Lake the ideal vacation staging point," said Maxine Hayden, Manager, Town of Deer Lake. "The Town of Deer Lake and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation are very pleased with how the first phase of our tourism and recreation plan is coming together. I am confident our local businesses and tourism operators will benefit from this project as it will become an effective tool for attracting potential consumers to the area."

The multi-phase plan has its roots in an independent consultant�s report completed in 2007 - the Deer Lake Tourism and Recreation Opportunities Assessment Report, outlining Deer Lake�s potential for becoming a four-season tourism destination. The town is energized and looking forward to the plan�s proposed activities scheduled up to 2012.

"Deer Lake is an area with its own natural beauty and is a gateway to the internationally-acclaimed Gros Morne National Park and L�Anse aux Meadows," said Darryl Kelly, MHA,

Humber Valley. "This plan is an important first step to attract users and travellers to a beautiful area in the province. It will provide an excellent base for the community to leverage its strength and attract economic opportunities."

The project will be co-managed by the Town of Deer Lake and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation (DLTDC). Operating on behalf of the Town of Deer Lake, the DLTDC is a not-for-profit corporation created in 2004 to enhance tourism and recreational opportunities in the Deer Lake area. The corporation�s mission is to contribute to the attractiveness of Deer Lake, and surrounding Humber Valley communities, as a high-quality place to live, visit, invest and establish new businesses through the development of a regional, community-supported tourism and recreation infrastructure program.

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation was increased to an $8 million fund. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
ScottBarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Maxine Hayden
Manager
Town of Deer Lake
709-635-2451
deerlaketownmanager@nf.aibn.com
Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
Government Members� Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
 

2009 11 04                                                  11:00 a.m.
 


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