Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
February 20, 2017

Building a Stronger Economy

Grand Falls-Windsor Community Infrastructure to Receive Upgrades

The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor will upgrade an existing trail system in the town and develop a new trail, thanks in part to investments by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador totalling more than $677,000.

At an event in Grand Falls-Windsor today, Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced $477,461 through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund while MHA Jerry Dean, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, announced provincial funding of $200,000 towards this initiative.

The project will include the renovation of the Scott Avenue multi-use trail system and the development of a mountain bike and snow shoeing trail. A storage building will also be built to house the facility's trail groomer while site preparations will include paving and parking lot development, and utility connections. The installation of lighting along four kilometres of the trail will enable extended use of the trail during the fall and winter seasons.

"The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in communities is necessary to strengthen the middle class and provide municipalities with the building blocks they need to grow, develop opportunities and support a high standard of living for all Canadians and their families. This investment in Grand Falls-Windsor improves the town's community and recreational infrastructure and also the economic development capacity of the region."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

"This project adds to the existing tourism infrastructure in Grand Falls-Windsor and increases the town's ability to develop and respond to multi-seasonal tourism demand. That's important in fostering sustainable, viable tourism products and services and growing the local economy. In addition, this trail system will now provide local residents and visitors with year-round options for healthy activities for many years to come."
- Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame

"Investing in infrastructure initiatives such as the Scott Avenue Outdoor Activity Centre demonstrates our government's commitment to supporting economic development opportunities. Turning the centre into a year-round operation will greatly enhance the region's capacity to host competitions and other events. The Way Forward document guides government actions to improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous province, and this investment recognizes the opportunity the upgraded centre will provide to the economic prosperity and potential of Grand Falls-Windsor."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

"Infrastructure that builds on the strengths of a region leads to enhanced economic development. I am very pleased to see this investment which supports a key asset to advance opportunities for growth in our region."
- Jerry Dean, MHA for Exploits

"The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor strives to provide active living opportunities for our citizens. This exciting project will see major improvements made to one of our most popular and fastest growing recreational facilities. The project will greatly expand opportunities for all, as it will transform what is currently a seasonal facility into a year round facility. Additionally, the project will provide the opportunity for evening and nighttime activity with the installation of lights. We have a tremendous group of dedicated volunteers who through their hard work have seen the ski association membership go from 25 to well over 300 in just a few years. This project will ensure that upward trend continues, and the infrastructure improvements will benefit active participants of all ages. We want to thank our federal and provincial partners for their investment into this project. It will assist to enhance the health of our population and improve the quality of life for our residents."
- Mayor Barry Manual, Town of Grand Falls-Windsor

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Eric Humber Media Relations Manager Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4819,725-9655 erichumber@gov.nl.ca	Paul McGrath Director, Communications ACOA NL 709-772-2984 paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Jeff Saunders Town Manager Town of Grand Falls-Windsor 709-489-0407 jsaunders@townofgfw.com

2017 02 20                              4:05 p.m.