Executive Council
Tourism, Culture and Recreation

September 24, 2014

Province Remains Committed to Winter Tourism Opportunities

Provincial Government Provides More Than $3.5 Million for Marble Mountain Infrastructure

The Provincial Government has allocated more than $3.5 million to assist the Marble Mountain Development Corporation with the replacement of the Governor’s Express lift. The chairlift was damaged when a lightning strike caused a fire in the lift shack at the top of the ski hill on August 8.

“The lightning strike earlier this past summer was certainly an unfortunate event for Marble Mountain. We recognize the main chairlift is essential for the maximum operation of the ski hill, and that is why we are pleased to invest more than $3.5 million for replacement of the damaged infrastructure. The ski hill is extremely important to the people of the area, not only from a physical activity perspective, but also for its winter tourism potential.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Marble Mountain is an important component of winter tourism on the west coast of the province.

“Our government understands this has been a difficult time for Marble Mountain since the lightning strike in August, and we are aware of how diligently everyone has been working to get Marble Mountain open for the 2014-15 operating season. Marble Mountain is a catalyst for tourism in the area, including increased private sector investment in accommodations, food service and adventure tourism businesses such as zip-lining and snowmobiling, as well as new winter events such as Sno-west.”
- The Honourable Tony Cornect, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Marble Mountain will open for the upcoming season with its two lifts that are currently operational.

“As a government, we understand the importance of facilities like Marble Mountain to the west coast of our province, including the many national and international winter sporting events that are held there on an ongoing basis. This investment represents our commitment to both the people and the potential of the area.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA for Humber West

The City of Corner Brook has also secured the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, and Marble Mountain will be used for a number of alpine events related to the games.

“We are very pleased with the Provincial Government’s significant investment in our infrastructure. We can now move forward in replacing the Governor’s Express lift, an integral part of our operations. Marble Mountain is an important component of winter tourism on the west coast of the province, particularly from a resident tourism perspective.”
- Bob Pike, Chair, Marble Mountain Development Corporation

The Marble Mountain Development Corporation is working diligently to have the Governor’s Express lift operational for the upcoming ski season.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Provincial Government is providing more than $3.5 million to assist the Marble Mountain Development Corporation with the replacement of the Governor’s Express lift, following a lightning strike on August 8.
  • Marble Mountain will be open for the upcoming season with the lifts that are currently operational.
  • Marble Mountain is an important element for tourism on the west coast of the province, including increased private sector investment in accommodations, food service, adventure tourism businesses and new winter events such as Sno-west.

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Media contacts:

Kevin Guest
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 730-2320
kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca
Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
Trudy Wells
Constituency Assistant to the
Honourable Vaughn Granter
MHA for Humber West
709-637-4056
trudywells@gov.nl.ca
Chris Beckett
General Manager
Marble Mountain Ski Resort
709-637-7620
chris@skimarble.com

2014 09 24                                            10:15 a.m.