Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
September 12, 2016

Community Infrastructure Upgrades Announced in Rose Blanche

Federal and Provincial Governments Invest in Lighthouse and Walking Trail Improvements

The tourism potential of the Rose Blanche area will be further enhanced with improvements to the Rose Blanche lighthouse and Barachois Falls Walking Trail, thanks to investments from the federal and provincial governments. Gudie Hutchings,Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains,on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, today announced more than $81,000 in funding for two community projects in Rose Blanche.

Rose Blanche Lighthouse Incorporated is receiving $29,550 from the Government of Canada through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) to restore the building's exterior in order to protect the integrity of this heritage structure. The provincial government is contributing $29,300 towards the project from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development. The restoration project includes repairing mortar joints and replacing damaged stone, restoring the steeple, building new entrance steps, as well as re-constructing and replacing the pathway leading to the lighthouse.

The Town of Rose Blanche-Harbour Le Cou is also receiving $11,296 through CIP 150 for improvements to the Barachois Falls Walking Trail. The provincial government is also contributing $11,538 towards the project from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development. Upgrades will include construction of stairs and extension of the boardwalk section of the trail closer to Barachois Falls to provide users with safer access to the waterfalls.

CIP 150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada's activities to honour Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in infrastructure upgrades and enhancements that improve communities and support growth industries like tourism. These CIP 150 projects will benefit local residents as well as enhance the tourism potential of the Rose Blanche and surrounding area which will in turn boost economic growth."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

"The historical Rose Blanche lighthouse and Barachois Falls Walking Trail are two key pieces of community and tourism infrastructure and I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the rehabilitation and restoration of these important facilities through CIP 150. These investments will benefit residents and help attract more visitors to the beautiful community of Rose Blanche."
- Gudie Hutchings,MP for Long Range Mountains

"The Newfoundland and Labrador tourism industry is an important part of the Provincial Government's plan to diversify and grow the economy. The Rose Blanche Lighthouse has become an anchor attraction on the southwest coast and hiking is known to be a very popular activity for residents and visitors alike throughout the entire province. The investment to improve the Rose Blanche Lighthouse and the Barachois Falls Walking Trail will not only improve our tourism product but it will also enhance the overall visitor experience for the community and the surrounding region."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

"I am extremely pleased to see this money being invested in our local sites. This funding will allow the Rose Blanche Lighthouse to continue to be an iconic tourist attraction for our area. As well, the view at the end of the Barachois Falls Walking Trail will be well worth the hike."
- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and MHA for Burgeo - La Poile

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Media contacts:

Paul McGrath Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-772-2984 paul.mcgrath@canada.ca	Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-4570, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
Nathan Downey Communications Officer Government Members Office 709-729-3226 nathandowney@gov.nl.ca	Madonna Lawrence Manager Rose Blanche Lighthouse Incorporated 709-956-2052

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