Backgrounder
Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy
Corner Brook - Rocky Harbour

Regional Profile¹
Number of Communities: 50, including Hampden, Deer Lake, Corner Brook, Lark Harbour, Rocky Harbour, Daniel's Harbour and Jackson's Arm

Population: 45,495 in 2001 (28,650 in the Corner Brook-Pasadena area)

Top Three Industries by Employment Level, 2000 (Zones 7 and 8): Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Manufacturing

Total Number of Businesses, 2003 (Zones 7 and 8): 1,897 businesses with the top three industries being Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance

Strategic Sectors
Regional Priority Sectors: Agrifoods and Fishery, Environmental, Post Secondary Education, Mining and Energy, Manufacturing, Tourism, Communications and Information Technology

Industrial Diversification Opportunities - Examples
Agrifoods and Fishery:

• Fur breeding and tanning in Corner Brook/Deer Lake

• Farm market and agri-tourism development in vegetables, fruits, beef and pork throughout the region

• Dairy/industrial milk sector development from Bay St. George to Cormack

• Potato farming and processing in Humber Valley

• Agricultural Resource Development and Heritage Centre in Cormack

• Expansion of native berry and cold crop production throughout the region

• Nutraceuticals, functional foods and herbs

• Value-added secondary processing of shellfish and new product development throughout the region

•  Waterfront/Marine Centre Development in Norris Point

•  Christmas tree and wreath production in Humber Valley

Environmental:

• Centre of Excellence for Environmental Science, Research, Development and Technology in Corner Brook

Post Secondary Education:

• Humber Education Alliance marketing strategy for international students in Corner Brook

Mining and Energy:

• Onshore oil and gas research and development in Corner Brook

• Mineral exploration throughout the region

Manufacturing:

• Metal and glass fabrication network in Corner Brook

• Centre of Plastics marketing strategy in Pasadena

Tourism:

• Winter tourism hub development in Deer Lake

•  Expansion of winter tourism offerings linked to snowmobile trail system throughout the region

• Downtown revitalization in Corner Brook

• Potential development of Bonne Bay Hospital Cottage Industry Development Centre

• Ingornachoix destination marketing strategy linking Rocky Harbour to St. Anthony

Communications:

• Call centre prospecting in Corner Brook

Information Technology:

• Nordic Broadband initiative - Phase II, broadband initiative development for Rocky Harbour and southern part of Northern Peninsula

¹ Source: Community Accounts