Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
October 28, 2016

Conception Bay South receives Government Funding for Community Infrastructure

Federal and Provincial Investments Support Upgrades to Manuels River Trail Network

Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, 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 combined funding of close to $579,000 in support of a community infrastructure project in Conception Bay South.

The Manuels River Natural Heritage Society will further develop and enhance its trail network in the community of Conception Bay South (CBS), thanks to an investment of $398,044 through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and $180,930 through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development. Specifically, the Society will undertake upgrades along the trail network to improve gateway entrances and install interpretive signage to better align the trail network with the world-class appeal of the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre.

Working in partnership with Atlantic communities and stakeholders, the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities available for their sustainable economic growth.

Quotes:

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support groups like the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society as well as business and other community groups as they play an important role in growing and strengthening the local economy. Investments in community initiatives such as the upgrades to the Manuels River Trail Network help strengthen and build a strong middle-class while supporting tourism and business development in the Conception Bay South region."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

"The Government of Canada believes that investing in community infrastructure initiatives as well as projects that enhance business opportunities are among the best ways to spur economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. Projects like this one build on the region's strengths and continue to provide meaningful employment as well as continued opportunities for economic and community-based growth and diversification."
- Ken McDonald, MP, Avalon

"The Manuels River trail system provides access to some of the most tranquil natural and coastal environments on the Northeast Avalon and has contributed to a steady increase of tourists to the Conception Bay South area. This investment will enable the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society to develop and expand this worthwhile project, which is essential to attracting even more tourists and contributing to the regional economy."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

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Media contacts:

Paul McGrath Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-772-2984 paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Debbie Marnell Director of Communications (A) Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4819, 699-9048 debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

2016 10 28           1:40 p.m.