August 24, 2012
Minister Announces Investment, Zips through Petty Harbour
North Atlantic Zip Lines is receiving a $100,000 investment from the Provincial Government to deliver a unique and eco-friendly experience for adventurers.
The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business, and Rural Development, made the announcement this morning (Friday, August 24) at the Petty Harbour Tourist Chalet where he was joined by the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA Trinity - Bay De Verde. Following the announcement, the ministers experienced the zip line and saw Petty Harbour from an unparalleled perspective.
“The development of tourism products that are sustainable and respectful to the natural environment are in high demand and support the enhancement of the tourism industry along the Southern Shore,” said Minister Hutchings. “This was an incredible experience. The addition of North Atlantic Zip Lines is an exciting and exhilarating addition to the local marketplace. It also strengthens a sector that is creating new opportunities and leveraging the popularity of the East Coast Trail and other tourism products that are sprouting new economic activity.”
North Atlantic Zip Lines offers people the opportunity to soar along the rugged coastline and view the picturesque community of Petty Harbour in a unique way. Following a safety briefing, guests are transported to the start of the course above First Pond. The 2.5 hour excursion concludes at the final zip pad, on the west side of Crocker’s Bridge, after which guests will return to the main base in Petty Harbour.
North Atlantic Zip Lines promotes an eco-adventure experience that is exciting and fosters an appreciation for the environment. A similar operation in Steady Brook, on the province’s West Coast, has been attracting a large number of people since it opened, with visitor traffic increasing year over year.
“The Provincial Government’s financial support has been invaluable to the development and management of our business,” said Rob Carter, Owner, North Atlantic Zip Lines. “We intend to use these funds for the construction of the zip lines, advertising and marketing, training of employees, required gear for customers and staff to use on the zip lines, and maintenance of zip lines and tour buses.”
Funding for this initiative was made available through the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Fund, which is administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity allocates $15.1 million for investment. The program provides financial resources for start-up, modernization, or growth of a business venture in key industry sectors including value-added manufacturing, information technology, aquaculture, bio-technology, marine services, agrifoods and tourism
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Photo 1: (front left to right): Ron Doyle, Mayor of Petty Harbour, the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, Rob Carter, owner of North Atlantic Ziplines, and the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, pose in front of the company’s Hugland Tour Bus.
Photo 2: Minister Hutchings saddled in the harness to embark on one of North Atlantic Ziplines 10 stages.
Photo 3: Minister Hutchings zipping through North Atlantic Ziplines.
- Video: Minister Hutchings experiencing the zipline in Petty Harbour.
Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Rob Carter Owner, North Atlantic Zip Lines 709-368-8681 |
2012 08 24 3:20 p.m.