Government consults with community stakeholders on future of Marble Mountain Resort

Premier Danny Williams, along with Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East and Minister of Justice, and officials from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, held consultations with regional stakeholders in Steady Brook today regarding the future direction of the Marble Mountain Resort.

"Government recognizes the value of the Marble Mountain Resort to the West Coast and the province in general as an anchor tourism and recreational attraction and a significant employer in the region," said Premier Williams. "However, we also recognize that Marble Mountain must be positioned to capitalize on the existing growth opportunities in the Humber Valley Region. Our consultations will allow us to seek the views of key stakeholders on issues such as current operations, opportunities to make the resort more profitable, areas for future growth and greater private sector involvement."

Consultations included a number of key stakeholders with a vested interest in the future of Marble Mountain, including the Marble Mountain Development Corporation Executive Committee; Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE); City of Corner Brook; Town of Steady Brook; Marble Mountain Ski and Ride Club; Humber Economic Development Board, and other community stakeholders.

Paul Shelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation was unable to attend the meetings; however, he said that government is committed to the further development of winter and adventure tourism in the province and to realizing the potential of Marble Mountain as an economic generator for the western region. "An increase in skier visits to Marble Mountain over the last number of years, particularly in the last three years, demonstrates the effect of increased marketing efforts through a joint partnership with the department and the Marble Mountain Development Corporation. Through continued marketing efforts, we believe the facility will demonstrate its true tourism potential."

Overall visitation for Marble Mountain increased from 75,249 in 2003-04 to 81,324 in 2004-05, representing an increase of just over eight per cent. Season passes increased this year from 49,565 to 53,291, or 7.5 per cent. Non-resident skier visits increased from 6,045 last year to 8,512 this year, representing an increase of 41 per cent. Since 1995, Marble Mountain has experienced an overall increase in skier visits of 84 per cent.

In 2004, Marble Mountain produced revenues of approximately $2 million, generated an additional $2 million in tourism-related spending, and contributed direct and spinoff activity equating to $3 million in labour income. Since 2001-02, Marble Mountain�s operating deficit has decreased from $690,000 to $250,000, excluding an annual operating grant of $400,000 provided by government.

Minister Marshall said government will use stakeholder feedback to proceed with assessing its relationship with Marble Mountain. "It is important that government understand where the region stands on an issue as important as the future of Marble Mountain," said Minister Marshall. "Government is keenly interested in hearing their views and we will move forward with what we feel is in the best interest of these regional stakeholders and the province as a whole."

The Marble Mountain Development Corporation was incorporated in April 1988 and is a 100 per cent provincially-owned Crown corporation. The corporation�s principal activities are developing the infrastructure of the Marble Mountain resort area and operating its ski and retail businesses.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960,690-5500 or elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Tansy Mundon, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741
Heather MacLean, Justice, (709) 729-6985, 690-2498

2005 05 27                                          1:25 p.m.