Government to operate Marble Mountain Condos

Minister of Finance Lloyd Matthews and Greg White, chair of the Marble Mountain Development Corporation (MMDC), announced today that MMDC will open the condominium complex for rental within the next several weeks.

"In light of the fact that all efforts to secure a buyer for the condo complex have been unsuccessful and that there is a demand for accommodation to meet the growing tourism industry in the region, government has decided to open the Marble Mountain Condominium Complex for business. From the outset, it was always the intention that the condos would be an integral part of an enhanced tourism product at the base of the mountain," said Minister Matthews. "Prior to making this decision, we held discussions with local accommodation owners and operators to ensure that they understood the rationale for this move."

Local accommodation operator Perry Butt says this is a positive move for the tourism product of the region. "Marble Mountain is an important part of the tourist appeal of the west coast, and we believe we can work together with the Marble Mountain Development Corporation to enhance the tourist offerings of our area."

Greg White noted that MMDC would soon call for proposals from qualified operators to take care of daily operations of the condominiums including housekeeping and maintenance. The complex is expected to be operational before the end of March.

Media contact: Paula Dyke, Communications, (709) 729-0329

2000 02 25                                                 5:00 p.m.