Innovation, Business and Rural Development
December 1, 2011

Labrador Heritage Society Upgrades North West River Waterfront with Government Support

The Labrador Heritage Society is upgrading the popular waterfront area in North West River thanks in part to a $61,065 investment by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Funding was announced today by the Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queens Privy Council, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, and by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.

“Our government is proud to support the Labrador Heritage Society as it moves forward with upgrades to the waterfront in North West River,” said Minister Penashue. “These valuable improvements to the community’s waterfront will benefit both the local residents and families who are building their future here but also visitors to the area and the local business community which benefits from quality infrastructure in serving its customers.”

“Infrastructure investments of this nature contribute to the social and economic well-being of a community,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Upgrades to the local waterfront in North West River will invite social and recreational benefits for residents, as well as open the door to new opportunities for local businesses as they capitalize on an increase in traffic to the area.”

The waterfront area attracts close to 5,000 visitors annually, and hosts a number of cultural events within the community year-round. Upgrades will provide renewed tourism infrastructure in the community and complement other recent developments such as the boardwalk, walking trails and lookouts. This project involves site expansion and levelling, installation of fencing, electrical upgrades and water hook-ups. Interior renovations will also be carried out on a heritage structure, including the addition of a wheelchair accessible ramp.

“We’re very pleased to receive this support,” said Ernest McLean, President of the Labrador Heritage Society. “This funding allows us to continue our work to enhance the waterfront area in North West River and build on the tourism product offering in the region.”

The Government of Canada is providing $44,102 toward the project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s investment of $16,963 was made through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund, which is administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.

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Media contacts:

Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-772-2935	Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Ernest McLean President Labrador Heritage Society 709-497-8282

2011 12 01             3:00 p.m.