NLIS 7
May 24, 2001 
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

Gambo's Village Green and Smallwood Interpretation Centre to be expanded

Brian Tobin, federal Minister of Industry, and Tom Lush, MHA-Terra Nova, on behalf of Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, were in Gambo today to announce $568,000 in funding for the enhancement of several of Gambo's most important tourism facilities and attractions. The Town of Gambo and the Smallwood Era Development Corporation (SEDCOR) will use the funding to enhance the Village Green site and expand the Smallwood Interpretation Centre; a new interpretive trail and memorial park will also be established, honouring the area's significant logging history. 

"As the minister responsible for tourism in Canada, and as a Newfoundlander, I am very pleased to be here for today's announcement," said Minister Tobin, who also brought greetings from Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "This area has enjoyed substantial growth in tourism over the past few years; growth inspired both by Gambo's historic significance and the area's natural attractions. The work to be carried out by the Smallwood Era Development Corporation and the Town of Gambo will celebrate both, and honour the legacy of the men and women who built this town."

Tom Lush, speaking on behalf of Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, said he is pleased to support initiatives that improve and develop tourism infrastructure in the Gambo area. "As MHA for the District of Terra Nova, I am excited about the new initiatives announced today which will build on the previous efforts of the Smallwood Era Development Corporation," said Mr. Lush. "The Town of Gambo has been developing the Smallwood concept since 1988 and the hard work of SEDCOR has resulted in the implementation of the Smallwood Interpretation Centre, Joey's Lookout and the Village Green. The funding announced today will take the Smallwood concept to the next level of development."

Peter Lush, Mayor of Gambo, speaking on behalf of the town and SEDCOR, said he is looking forward to getting the work finished. "We've had lots of success with this site, but there was only so much we could do with it as it was. With these improvements, we will be able to attract bigger events and accommodate more people." The logger's memorial will be a new addition to the area's tourism attractions. 

"Logging was as important as fishing in many parts of Newfoundland," said Mayor Lush. "We're very pleased that now we will be able to properly commemorate the men and women who built this town."

Funding is being provided through the Canada-Newfoundland Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement administered federally by ACOA and provincially by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

Media contacts:

Jennifer Savoy, Press Secretary, Robert G.Thibault, Minister of State for ACOA, (613) 941-7291
Doug Burgess, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, (709) 772-2935
Clifford Grinling, Industry, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-7066
Tansy Mundon, Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, (709) 729-1341.

2001 05 24                                      3:50 p.m.