A series of Northern Peninsula tourism-related projects with a total value of almost $1.3 million, today received contributions of $256,000 from the Provincial Government�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF).

"The tip of the Northern Peninsula has a rich history � a history that is celebrated by residents and thousands of visitors annually. It is home to a World UNESCO Heritage Site at L�Anse aux Meadows, Norstead Village, Grenfell Properties, and the French Shore," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The area�s popularity for tourists is generating economic opportunities for a growing number of local entrepreneurs. These projects have the capacity to support these opportunities by enhancing tourists� experiences."

St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI) began working with communities in 2006 to develop and implement a tourism master plan. It will use its $174,013 of RSDF funding as part of the implementation of the $893,721 tourism plan. The plan includes a new dock at L�Anse aux Meadows to accommodate cruise ships and a parking area for tour buses. SABRI will also develop the site of a bread oven in Quirpon and kiosks that will be used during community events.

Rising Sun Developers, the economic development division of the Town of St. Anthony is receiving $23,961 to undertake projects valued at $100,634.

The first project will extend the trail from Tea House Hill to the American base by two kilometres. It will now end at Cremaillere Bay, a former fishing village founded in the late 1800s and the site of French and English graves. The route will enable visitors to explore the scenery and market the province�s connection with European cultures. Its other project entails developing park signage in Bottom Brook Park, a waterfowl sanctuary and a hiking area for families.

The Town of St. Anthony will receive $30,511 toward a $186,367 project designed to establish a 500-metre trail called Fishing Point Walkway. The walkway will lead to Fishing Point, a popular vantage point for iceberg, whale, bird, and sea watching. Other initiatives will include beautifying the area � planting grass and flowers and installation of benches � and widening the adjacent road by six feet.

The French Shore Historical Society, a group focused on the preservation and promotion of French history of Conche, Croque, St. Juliens/Grandois, and Main Brook, has also received support. The Provincial Government is contributing $27,437 to the society�s $109,127 project to create tapestry depicting local history � a history that spans the Maritime Archaic Indians, Inuit, Vikings, French, and English settlers. The embroidered tapestry is modeled after the 20 in by 230 ft Bayeux Tapestry in France which describes the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The tapestry is designed to be a mobile exhibit.

"Providing community groups and organizations access to the necessary resources to leverage existing strengths to expand their economic potential is an objective of the Provincial Government," said Minister Taylor. "I am pleased to see these organizations take a leadership role in the community. They play an important role in economic and community development initiatives."

RSDF is a $5 million fund of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and a component of the province�s Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy. The fund provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
ScottBarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2008 04 22                                                    9:30 a.m.