August 30, 2011
Town of Gander Building a Stronger Downtown
The Town of Gander will host a series of outdoor markets as a means of increasing traffic to its downtown core with a $40,000 investment from the Provincial Government. With the investment, the town will construct a stage and 20 outdoor kiosks in the area of the Elizabeth Drive Shopping Centre.
“Healthy downtown areas are often seen as a reflection of a healthy community,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “This initiative will act as catalyst to encourage new investment and renew interest in the downtown core. Regional craft producers and farmers will also have a highly visible venue for their products while providing a unique shopping experience for consumers.”
As part of a pilot project, the Town of Gander will hold three seasonal events at the new market. The facility will host a Christmas Market in November and December, an Arts and Crafts Festival in June, and a Farmers Market held over a number of weekends in September and October.
“Gander is home to many individuals who will no doubt take advantage of the opportunity to display both their products and expertise,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander. “Coinciding with this, these markets will be events to showcase the Town of Gander, particularly the ever-improving downtown area.”
With a population of just over 10,000 people, Gander is a service centre for a catchment area which includes 149 communities and 84,000 people within a 100 kilometre radius. The town square area of Gander was developed over 50 years ago to serve retail and business interests.
“Gander’s retail/service sector has seen tremendous expansion in recent years and we want to ensure that the businesses in our downtown core benefit from this overall growth as well,” said Gander Mayor Claude Elliott. “This project will help preserve and enhance the character of what is, after all, the real heart of our community.”
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. This program through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador has $5 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the program 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 |
Paula Norman Executive Assistant to the Honourable Kevin O’Brien MHA for Gander 709-729-3053 paulamnorman@gov.nl.ca |
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Claude Elliott Mayor Town of Gander 709-651-5920 |
2011 08 30 1:40 p.m.