August 31, 2011
Clarenville Events Centre Targets Expanded Potential
The Clarenville Events Centre, a key element of the social and economic fabric for the region, is receiving $193,925 from the Provincial Government. The investment will increase the facility’s ability to host larger events and market the region as a destination for sport tourism, meetings, conventions, and other cultural activities.
“Clarenville is a hub of industrial activity, as well as a key venue for cultural and recreational activities for the surrounding region,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “The Clarenville Events Centre is an integral element for those activities and with its expanded ability to accommodate a variety of events will benefit the region. The centre complements recent upgrades at Ski White Hills and the Clarenville Marina, which collectively invite greater opportunities for businesses to service the needs of local users and visitors alike.”
Opened in October 2009, the Clarenville Events Centre, is a year-round complex that is a significant contributor to the local and regional economy. The investment will be applied to technical upgrades such as trade show equipment, theatre seating, lighting, and audio equipment.
“This is a great enhancement for Clarenville Events Centre and the surrounding region,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA for Trinity North. “With continued improvements I am sure that the Clarenville Events Centre will continue to be a focal point of the area’s economy.”
With an NHL-size ice surface, capacity for 2,250, the facility has hosted many sporting events such as senior men’s hockey, minor hockey tournaments, the Four Nation’s Cup, and figure skating competitions. The arts theatre, with its seating capacity of 430, treats audiences to a variety of musical and theatrical performances, as well as other community activities.
“Since we opened our doors just over a year and half ago, the Clarenville Events Centre has hosted activities and events that were not possible in our area before,” said Todd Cole, Manager, Clarenville Events Centre. “With this additional investment in equipment, we will be positioned as one of the top facilities in the province, representing tremendous hosting and event opportunities.”
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund, which 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 |
Caroline Frost Constituency Assistant to Honourable Ross Wiseman MHA for Trinity North 709-466-4165 carolinefrost@gov.nl.ca |
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Todd Cole Manager Clarenville Events Centre 709-466-4105 ext. 221 todd@clarenville.net |
2011 08 31 11:10 a.m.