Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
December 23, 2008

Northern Peninsula Trail System Receives Provincial Government Support

The White Bay Central Development Association has received $39,730 from the Provincial Government to complete a trail system leading to an underground salmon pool, which is 15 km outside of Roddickton.  Completion of the 2.5 km trail system further improves the experience of those visiting the underground salmon pool and has the potential to stimulate new business opportunities in the area.

"The underground salmon pool is a natural phenomenon that is unique in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.  "Through this investment we are able to support the White Bay Central Development Association to strengthen the tourism infrastructure in the region and continue to make the region more a destination for tourists."

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.  The site has become a popular tourist attraction on the east side of the Northern Peninsula, and as a result generates new traffic and opportunities for businesses in the Main Brook to Englee area.

"The Northern Peninsula is a popular destination for visitors from across the province and Canada every year," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, MHA, The Straits - White Bay North. "This initiative builds upon that popularity and provides the area with the necessary infrastructure to ensure that it is enjoyed and its economic potential fully maximized."

Scheduled for the summer 2009, completion of the trail system is a part of a series of initiatives that the White Bay Central Development Association has embarked upon to improve the area�s tourism infrastructure.  Earlier this year, the association � with a $47,027 investment from the Provincial Government � constructed a bridge leading to the underground salmon pool and a highway rest stop that outlines information for travellers on points of interest in the region.

"The White Bay Central Development Association is excited at the opportunity to further develop and enhance tourism infrastructure within the region," said Ethel Patey of the White Bay Central Development Association. "We are pleased that the Provincial Government was able to support us in our initiative. Projects of this nature are valuable to the region as they add to the visitor experience and encourage economic activity."

The White Bay Central Development Association has a 30 year history of co-ordinating many successful projects. These projects have included the development and implementation of several key items for the French Shore � in particular, the trails to the French markings in Croque and the interpretation centre and trails around sites of interest 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 12 23                                                    9:45 a.m.
 


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