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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
March 27, 2012

Investment Boosts Capacity for Larger Events in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

The E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is building capacity for more conferences, trade shows and special events in the region, thanks to a $680,000 investment by the Federal and Provincial Governments.

Funding for the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay was announced today by the Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and 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.

“Jobs and growth are the top priorities of our government and strong community infrastructure is critical to the economic development of communities across Canada,” said Minister Penashue. “Our government’s investment will help transform the E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena into a modern, multipurpose facility that can accommodate significant events and initiatives year-round, and responds to the needs of the community of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and expanding resource industries of Labrador.”

“Considerable commercial and industrial activity has precipitated the need for social and economic infrastructure that meets the needs of the region,” said Minister Hutchings. “As a government, we are pleased to work with our community partners to advance such initiatives. With expanded capacity, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay can attract larger events which boost community spirit and lead to new business opportunities for those operating in the service sector.”

With continued business growth and economic activity throughout Labrador, Happy Valley-Goose Bay has seen significant demand for facilities that can accommodate large business and cultural events. Renovations to the arena as a multipurpose facility will help alleviate that demand, and position the town as a strategic place to do business. Funding for the project will be used to carry out roof enhancements, purchase ice decking, conference seating, furnishings and audiovisual equipment, and to create plenary space for breakout sessions, meetings, and storage space.

“The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is very pleased that the federal and provincial governments are providing funding to help advance the E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena into a special events centre,” said Leo Abbass, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. “The Lake Melville area is in a growth stage and these funds will allow groups and organizations to hold special events, trade shows and other activities in a first class facility. The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is pleased to be in partnership with all levels of government to enhance the services offered to the people and businesses of the Lake Melville area."

The Government of Canada’s investment of $530,000 is being provided 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 is providing $150,000 toward the project through the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund.

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Media contact:

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

Kevin Lane
Director of Parks and Recreation
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
709-896-8542

2012 03 27             11:00 a.m.

 
 
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