Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
October 30, 2015

Supporting a Dynamic Economy Through Sound Investments

$643,000 Investment in Economic Development Encourages Business and Community Activity

The Provincial Government is supporting economic opportunities in the tourism sector with an investment of $643,000 in the Conception Bay South T'railway Project and the Town of Paradise's Multi-Purpose Site Project. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, at the Manuels River Interpretation Centre in Conception Bay South.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to advancing our province's regions with investments that target sustainable, long-term economic opportunities. As a government, we are dedicated to providing community groups with access to the necessary resources to leverage existing strengths, including investments from the private sector, and expand the economic potential of our communities. Investing $643,000 in the T'railway and the development of the multi-purpose site allow us to enhance tourism and attract new opportunities while utilizing the valuable assets we already have."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The T'Railway initiative originated in 2006, and consists of transforming the 18 kilometre Newfoundland T'Railway in Conception Bay South into an accessible, non-motorized, pedestrian and cyclist system that integrates linkages between community trails, local business, cultural centres and recreational facilities. The business community has been a major supporter, including financial investments, and this $355,000 in funding is part of a multi-stakeholder financing initiative that supports further trail development. The Provincial Government previously committed $457,000 to the project in 2013. This trail complements many other assets in the area such as the East Coast Trail and ongoing work with the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society Inc.

"As the province's second largest municipality, Conception Bay South has a growing need for enhanced amenities for residents and tourists alike. The town has been working in collaboration with our stakeholders and partners over the past number of years to bring the vision of the Conception Bay South T'Railway to fruition. The Provincial Government's investment will continue the implementation of an invaluable recreation, tourism and economic development asset throughout the town which will capitalize on Conception Bay South's attractiveness as a place to reside, invest and visit."
- Stephen Tessier, Mayor of Conception Bay South

The town of Paradise is being provided $288,000 for community infrastructure to accommodate events. The multi-purpose site will be utilized by the community to support economic development opportunities, targeting both resident and non-resident markets. It will enhance the town's ability to build on local community events creating economic benefits for local businesses within the community and the entire region.

"It is an exciting time for the Town of Paradise as we continue to grow and expand. As a vibrant and young municipality, this funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will allow us to further improve our recreational and community amenities for both residents and visitors. Once all enhancements to the multi-purpose site outside the Paradise Double Ice Complex are completed, Sarah Davis Way will be a central location for events and activities and bring economic benefits to the Town of Paradise and the entire region."
- Dan Bobbett, Mayor of Paradise

Funding is being provided through the Regional Development Fund which provides support by way of non-repayable contributions to organizations for the development and implementation of economic initiatives. Administered by the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, additional information on funding programs and how to apply can be found by visiting www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/regionaldev/index.html.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is supporting improved access to recreational and entertainment activities with an investment of $643,000 in the CBS T'railway Project and Paradise's Multi-Purpose Site.
• The T'Railway Project is a shared vision of the Town of Conception Bay South, the Grand Concourse Authority, the Conception Bay South Parks Commission, Manuels River Natural Heritage Society Inc., and the business community.
• Information on funding programs and how to apply can be found by visiting www.btcrd.gov.nl.ca/regionaldev/index.html.

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca	Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca	Pamela Sheppard Communications Coordinator Town of Conception Bay South 709-834-3484 pamelasheppard@conceptionbaysouth.ca
S. Diane Keough Communications Manager Town of Paradise 709-782-2603 dkeough@townofparadise.ca

2015 10 30                              11:10 a.m.