Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
September 16, 2008

Investments Focused on Increasing Tourism Capacity on Northern Peninsula

The Provincial Government is contributing $47,027 to the White Bay Central Development Association to construct a bridge leading to an underground salmon pool and to a highway rest stop. The additions are focused on encouraging new visitor traffic and business opportunities in the area.

"The underground salmon pool is a popular attraction among residents and tourists," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "These upgrades will improve the overall experience of those visiting the area, and ultimately enable greater usage. With increased usage come new opportunities for local businesses to deliver services and amenities in the Main Brook to Englee area."

The underground salmon pool is a unique geological formation that provides the opportunity to view salmon in their natural habitat as they congregate at the opening of the stream. It further increases the tourism capacity on the Northern Peninsula and complements such existing attractions as L�Anse aux Meadows and the Grenfell Historic Properties.

"We have been working with local stakeholders on the underground salmon pool project since 2001," said Ellen Fitzpatrick, President of the White Bay Central Development Association. "We have also developed a 2.5-kilometre trail system together with interpretive signage along the trail. This facility adds to the infrastructure of the region and brings pleasure to many people."

The new rest stop will be located at the intersection of routes 432 and 433. It will have signs that provide information to travellers about specific points of interest in the region.

"The Northern Peninsula has a history of attracting visitors seeking cultural experiences and unique environments," said Minister Taylor. "Having readily available information and attractive sites for visitors to truly enjoy the surroundings is important to advancing tourism in the area."

In its more than 30 years, the White Bay Central Development Association has co-ordinated many successful projects. These projects have included developing trails to the French markings in Croque, along with an interpretation centre and a trail network in Conche.

The initiative is funded by the Provincial Government�s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, RSDF is a $5-million fund that provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Ethel Patey
White Bay Central Development Association
709-865-3476
ethel_patey@hotmail.com

2008 09 16                                                      10:15 a.m.

 


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