Smokey Mountain will continue to be a major attraction in Labrador West

Smokey Mountain will continue to be a major winter attraction in western Labrador and will play a central role in the 1998 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. Perry Canning, MHA - Labrador West, today announced on behalf of Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, that the Department of Development and Rural Renewal recently approved an investment of $130,000 to support the alpine skiing facility as it restructures its operations.

The Smokey Mountain Ski Club Ltd. has developed a five-year business plan that will see new services offered and existing facilities improved, as well as a new marketing thrust that is intended to more than double visitation to the facility.

"The Smokey Mountain Ski Club Ltd. is an excellent example of a community-driven economic development initiative," said Perry Canning. "In operation for nearly 40 years, the Club is committed to providing alpine skiing to the Labrador West area, bringing substantial economic and recreational benefit to the people of western Labrador. Smokey Mountain provides almost 30 Labradorians with direct seasonal employment and encourages local skiers to stay and ski locally, which generates even further spin-offs to the economy of the Labrador West area. The investment being made by the province will strengthen the contribution the facility makes to the local economy."

The Smokey Mountain ski facility is located over 80 acres in the Wapusakatto Mountains in Labrador West. It boasts a thousand foot vertical drop with 18 trails that cater to all levels of skiers. The trails are supported by a double chair lift, three poma lifts and there is a main lodge at the base of the hill that offers a full range of services to skiers

"The commitment of the community along with the partnerships formed with federal and provincial governments and the private sector is making the Smokey Mountain ski facility a success story," said Mr. Canning. "Through these partnerships we have jointly developed an action plan to solidify the financial future of Smokey Mountain. Today's announcement represents phase one of the action plan. Phase two will provide new monies for capital requirements. With a solid business plan and an aggressive marketing campaign to attract new members," continued Mr. Canning, "Smokey Mountain will continue to be a positive contributor to the local economy."

Contact: Susan Laite, Department of Development and Rural Renewal, (709) 729-4570.