Federal-Provincial investment in tourism initiatives

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is pleased with today�s announcement by George Baker, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Premier Brian Tobin, of funding for seven tourism projects in the amount of $870,063, as part of 19 long-term economic development projects valued at $6.2 million of which $4.8 million is provided under the Economic Development Component of the Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative.

These projects are part of the three-year $81.25 million program announced in August 1999 to help diversify the economies of regions and communities adversely affected by the closure of the groundfish fishery.

"The strategic tourism initiatives announced today will be a great boost for the tourism industry as a whole, and will go a long way towards further developing the tourism potential of various regions in the province," said Furey. "The goal is to develop and promote a higher level of tourism activity in communities throughout the province, so that each region has extraordinary attractions to offer tourists, thereby maximizing the economic benefits for those communities that have been adversely impacted by the closure of the groundfish fishery."

The Town of Carbonear will receive $166,923 to restore the main floor and establish an interpretation program at the historic Rorke Store in Carbonear, which has been an integral part of the mercantile history of the community since in was built in the 1870s. This is one of a series of initiatives designed to encourage tourists to visit each sub-region of the Baccalieu zone, and will create 11 short-term jobs.

Princess Sheila Inc. will receive $60,000 to undertake the Sheila Na Geira Summer Theatre Festival at Carbonear, which includes three productions and builds upon the original Sheila Na Geira Production first introduced in 1997. This project is also one of a series of initiatives designed to encourage tourists to visit each sub-region of the Baccalieu zone, and is integral to several businesses including an upscale heritage inn, Na Geira House.

The Town of Placentia will receive $113,275 to develop an historic townscape Master Plan for the town that will enhance the historic resources of the community for social and economic benefits. The goal of the proposal is to develop a framework for the coordination of urban, landscape and building design, restoration, interpretation, conservation, marketing and management of the area�s rich cultural history. This initiative will result in significant improvement to the community�s physical appearance and to the overall fabric of its townscape, and will build upon the tourism product of the region and of the province.

Funding in the amount of $88,125 will be provided to the Cupid�s Historical Society Inc. to retain a consultant to undertake a two-phase master plan to interpret, preserve and promote historic resources at Cupids, the site of the first English settlement in Canada, and to examine the significant potential for partnerships with a national historic site in Brigus. This is also one of a series of initiatives designed to encourage tourists to visit each sub-region of the Baccalieu zone.

The Town of Fortune will receive $307,440 to develop the Greenways Trail system, which will provide interpretation for geology at Fortune Head Ecological Reserve. While various types and conditions of trails currently exist around and beyond the reserve, there has been no formal basis for routing, design or maintenance. The trail system will maintain biological diversity, protect water and soil resources and stimulate tourism in the area.

The Cape Freels Heritage Trust Inc. will receive $48,300, which will complement the interpretative tours of the restored heritage properties by presenting theatrical productions and a weekly dinner theatre showing the historic struggles and ingenuity of people in rural Newfoundland. Performances will enhance the tourism experience for visitors and it is expected that the 2000 tourism season will generate 25 direct jobs and attract 22,000 visitors.

The Petty Harbour/Maddox Cove Development Corporation will receive $86,000 to prepare a model fishing village master plan for the strategic tourism revitalization of the area. The proposed plan will focus on the creation of a world-class tourism attraction uniquely positioned against the backdrop of a traditional fishing village, and will increase the tourism potential of a community severely impacted by the closure of the groundfish fishery.

"These initiatives will build upon the communities� strengths including rich fishing history and culture and natural beauty, and will allow for the development of world-class tourism attractions throughout the province," added Furey.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 07 24         5:05 p.m.