Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
July 22, 2016

Enhancing Healthy Tourism Opportunities

Federal and Provincial Governments Announce Funding for Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation

Tourism infrastructure in Deer Lake has been enhanced with the expansion of the community’s hiking 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 $58,000 in funding for the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation for the initiative.

ACOA provided $33,250 towards the project through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) and the Provincial Government contributed $25,000. Work included the completion of an additional 3.5 kilometers of hiking trail, from Humber River Golf Course to the Viking Trail Bridge, to the existing trail system; as well as the development of a new viewing area and interpretive signs along the trail.

Created in 2004, the mission of the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation is to contribute to the attractiveness of Deer Lake and surrounding Humber Valley communities, as a high-quality place to live, visit, invest and establish new businesses through the development of a regional, community-supported tourism and recreation infrastructure program.

As outlined in Budget 2016, an additional $150 million will be provided over two years for CIP 150, bringing the total funding available to $300 million. The program, delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA, supports projects to renovate, expand and improve spaces such as community centres, parks and arenas across Canada in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

Quotes

“Deer Lake and area boasts some of our province’s best tourism treasures and is the gateway for the Western region of the province. Though the work of the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation and community partners over the last number of years, we have seen significant tourism and recreation enhancements in the area which continue to attract tourists from within and outside the province. These improvements add to the beauty of the area for those who are proud to call Deer Lake home.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber - Gros Morne

“The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in infrastructure upgrades and enhancements that strengthen communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and support growth industries like tourism. This CIP 150 investment demonstrates the important role that collaboration plays in diversifying our communities and growing our economy.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador has so much to offer with its natural assets and scenic beauty. I applaud the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation for its vision and efforts to advance the tourism sector in the area. The Government of Canada believes that public investment in initiatives like this one, which will benefit residents and attract more visitors, is an important catalyst that will spur economic growth, job creation and prosperity.”
- Gudie Hutchings, MP for Long Range Mountains

“The Provincial Government is pleased to support this final and key leg of the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation’s integrated trail system which enhances the tourism potential in the area for residents and visitors alike. Through this investment we continue to work with stakeholders to support tourism growth as a key component of a sustainable economy in the region.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

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Media contacts:

Nancy O'Connor Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-689-1825 nancyoconnor@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
Glenn Bruce Acting Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-746-1385 glenn.bruce@canada.ca	Damon Clarke Economic Development Officer Town of Deer Lake 709-635-2451

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