Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
July 21, 2015

Supporting Regions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Government Expanding Business Opportunities for Former Provincial Parks

The Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is making changes associated with the management and allocation of provincial parklands that were de-proclaimed in 1995 and 1997.

"As a government, we are always listening to our residents and entrepreneurs. Today's announcement is an innovative approach that will expand the ability for individuals to acquire Crown lands grants. This will broaden social and economic development opportunities and at the same time ensure the necessary due diligence is applied for the protection of this valuable resource for future generations."
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

The changes do not apply to current public parks. Rather, the changes will allow current operators of former provincial parks the opportunity to apply for a Crown lands grant. An assessment of each grant application is required, but it is expected that the majority of these parks will be eligible. Prior to any grants being issued for existing park operators, all requests will be subject to a review process to identify any potential land concerns or regulatory requirements, which would include any areas of interest for conservation.

Park operators who choose to apply and who are eligible for the grant, will also be given the option to expand upon their current business model for park or campground purposes to include other tourism related activities. These include RV parks, resorts, cottage rentals or development of tourism attractions.

Park operators who prefer not to purchase the Crown lands will be permitted to continue operations under their existing licence or lease.

"This initiative offers unique opportunities for expanded park operations, allowing small business operators to enhance and grow their own businesses. As well, allowing the purchase of former provincial parks will help with the continued development of tourism opportunities, including increasing accommodations options and attractions, particularly in rural areas throughout the province where these parks are located."
-The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Any de-proclaimed provincial parks not currently under lease or licence and determined by the department to be suitable for a Crown lands grant will be offered to the public through a one-time request for proposals process.

Interested individuals can contact the Regional Lands Offices of the Crown Lands Administration Division of the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs for further details. Crown Lands Administration office contact information can be found at: www.miga.gov.nl.ca/department/contact_crownlands.html

QUICK FACTS:

• The Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is making changes associated with the management and allocation of provincial parklands that were de-proclaimed in 1995 and 1997.
• The changes do not apply to current public parks. Rather, the changes will allow current operators of de-proclaimed provincial parks the opportunity to apply for a Crown lands grant.
• Prior to any grants being issued for existing park operators all requests will be subject to a review process to identify any potential land concerns or regulatory requirements, which would include any areas of interest for conservation.
• Any de-proclaimed parks not currently under lease or licence and determined by the department to be suitable for a Crown lands grant will be offered to the public through a one-time request for proposals (RFP) process.

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Media contacts:

Kevin Guest Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 730-2320 kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2015 07 21                              4:15 p.m.