Innovation, Business and Rural Development
August 3, 2012

Town of Stephenville Continues Downtown Improvements

Focused on attracting new business and traffic to Stephenville’s downtown, the Provincial Government is contributing $244,044 to the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association to undertake streetscape improvements. The upgrades further support the association’s development of local tourism products and attract more visitors to the community.

“Historically, downtown areas are the social and economic backbone of a community,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Initiatives such as those undertaken in Stephenville tend to attract a wider range of people to a community’s downtown. This increased traffic supports and retains existing enterprises while inviting new economic and business opportunities. Socially, a vibrant and reinvigorated downtown will build a stronger community and instill a greater sense of pride in the residents of Stephenville.”

This investment will be used for the third phase of improvements to the community’s downtown. It also brings the Provincial Government’s support to more than $367,000 and includes the installation of interlocking paving stones and decorative lights on the south side of Main Street.

“This investment will encourage greater interest in Stephenville’s downtown area,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East. “Revitalization projects like this, support existing businesses while attracting new enterprises and new consumers that in turn generate new wealth. I commend the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association, and the residents and Town of Stephenville for their hard work and dedication to their community.”

Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port, welcomed the announcement and views the development of the downtown area as an important one for the region.

“This announcement is evidence of our government’s continued support to rural Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Mr. Cornect. “I am delighted to see the third phase of funding for this project in the Town of Stephenville. The beautification of Stephenville’s downtown core will undoubtedly support new economic growth, promote tourism and continue to attract visitors and residents alike. Indeed, the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association and the Town of Stephenville, through this initiative, have enhanced the attractiveness of the downtown core.”

Formed in 1989 by the Town of Stephenville, the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association consists of local business owners and a representative from the town council.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to partner with the Provincial Government and the Town of Stephenville in moving forward with this phase of the Main Street project,” said Bob Byrnes, Chair, Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association. “I would like to thank Minister Hutchings, our local representatives, and the Town of Stephenville for their show of confidence in what we are doing here in Stephenville.”

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. This program, through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity - Responsible Investments for a Secure Future, has $5 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Business 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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2012 08 03                                                   10:45 a.m.