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Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that government has received 77 proposals from individuals and groups interested in acquiring the 21 provincial parks which were offered for privatization opportunities in February of this year.

"Government is pleased with the high level of interest expressed by the private sector in operating these properties," Minister Kelly said. "We fully anticipate that the government's mandate and the needs of the public will be met through the completion of the process."

The proposals are undergoing a thorough evaluation, taking into account the need for high quality tourism operations in all of the former provincial parks. The evaluation process is expected to be completed by the end of April, and further information will be made available at that time. This process is on schedule, and these parks are expected to open for the entire camping season.

The core provincial parks remaining under the government system will open on their usual dates. Barachois Pond, Butter Pot, Chance Cove, Frenchman's Cove, LaManche and Notre Dame will be open for the May 24th weekend. Each park will be fully staffed and serviced at the same levels as last year.

Minister Kelly has provided an update on park employees affected by privatization. A total of 92 seasonal jobs were originally affected. Forty-five of these people are being placed within the remaining provincial parks, 10 people have opted for the voluntary departure program, and two others have taken normal retirement provisions. Employees also have the potential options of placement in other seasonal jobs in the department, the takeover of a park under the privatization program, or additional financial compensation through a Voluntary Exit Program. Ms. Kelly said: "The government is working hard to find options for all displaced employees."

The parks' properties being made available include: Backside Pond, Bellevue Beach, Beothuck, Catamaran, David Smallwood, Duley Lake, Fitzgerald's Pond, Flatwater Pond, Gushue's Pond, Grand Codroy, Indian River, Jack's Pond, Jipujijkuei Kuespem, Jonathan's Pond, Marine Drive, Northern Bay Sands, Piccadilly Head, River of Ponds, Sop's Arm, Square Pond, and Windmill Bight.

The closing date for submission of proposals was 12 noon on April 4, 1997. The proposals were directed to the Department of Government Services and Lands. Proposals were required to be developed in accordance with proposal guidelines which were made available from the Government Services Centres situated throughout the province.

Contact: Laura Cochrane, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0928.

1997 04 17   3:00 p.m.