Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
December 18, 2006

Town of Triton to Construct Whale Interpretation Centre

A sperm whale pavilion and exhibit will be built in the community of Triton as part of a regional tourism strategy to illuminate the region�s rich marine history and establish the area as a core component of a developing whale-centred tourist attraction. The attraction will be part of the Great Whale Coast branding strategy that will see a network of whale pavilions built on the Green Bay and Baie Verte peninsulas.

The project is made possible through a contribution of $275,429 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and $89,944 from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (INTRD).

The development of the sperm whale pavilion and exhibit in Triton builds on the humpback whale pavilion exhibit recently announced for King's Point. These sites will form part of a phased process of developing a Whale Tour Network throughout the Green Bay area.

"Canada's New Government is pleased to support tourism development in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA. "This project will help illustrate the rich natural and cultural history of the Notre Dame Bay and Green Bay area and will provide visitors with information on whale watching and research. The project will provide a considerable tourism asset."

The development of the Great Whale Coast branding initiative is in line with previous marketing efforts of the Green Bay area and enriches the partnerships already developed by individual communities, economic development associations and the tourism association in the region.

"Increasingly, visitors to our province want to know more about the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. Attractions such as the sperm whale pavilion help provide a graphic illustration of our province and our culture," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This project is a valuable addition to the marketing mix that will help promote Triton and the surrounding areas and provide economic opportunities for businesses in the tourism sector."

The proposed sperm whale pavilion and interpretation centre in Triton will add to the area�s existing tourism attractions, such as the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail, Rattling Brook Falls, and the Hazel Nut Adventure and Hiking Trail. The pavilion will help future tourism development in the area, and will also be available to house a retail outlet for products produced by local artisans.

"The completed Whale Tour Network will become another good attraction for tourists to visit our province and we are pleased to be a part of this approach to partnering between communities for improved regional cooperation and development," said Jason Roberts, deputy mayor of Triton, and project coordinator for the town.

ACOA�s funding is from the Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.

INTRD is funding this project from its Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund which provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Julie Afonso
A/Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency NL
709-772-2984
 
Jason Roberts
Deputy Mayor
Town of Triton
709-263-2264
Lynn Evans
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development
709-729-4570

2006 12 18                                        10:05 a.m.


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