Labrador�s position as a tourism destination has received a boost with funding of $192,129 from the Provincial Government. This investment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay�s Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club will enable the facility to attract larger skiing competitions and expand the facility to a year-round facility leading to new economic development opportunities for the area.

"Labrador and the Lake Melville area in particular, are renowned for a wide range of winter activities in a beautiful, natural environment," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This investment builds on those attributes, and through enhanced infrastructure, the community will be able to position itself as a venue for larger events during the winter season and for that matter throughout the year. The increased visitation and enhanced use of the ski club will further strengthen the economy of the community and surrounding area."

The project will include the construction of a new ski chalet, improvements to the parking lot and road way, and purchase of a trail groomer and accessories.

"This infrastructure project will enhance both the number and quality of programs and services that can be made available to the general public," said John Bookalam, Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club. "This means that all outdoor enthusiasts will now have choices best suited to their unique interests and abilities and that can only mean one thing � a great day."

The Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club facility is becoming a popular site for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, attracting 140 members comprising a large youth contingent. The club is taking an active approach to building its reputation as an ideal skiing locale through its attempts to bring provincial and regional competitions to the area. Currently, it is a venue for the Labrador Winter Games and is also bidding to host the 2010 Provincial Ski Championships.

"Labrador�s pristine, scenic wilderness and our passion for the outdoors are helping to make winter tourism a growing sector of our economy," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs and MHA, Lake Melville. "I am impressed with the contribution the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club has made to the development of the region�s tourism product. The Provincial Government�s funding of this worthwhile project will contribute to the Northern Strategic Plan�s long-term goal to develop the tourism industry throughout Labrador."

Developed and operated by a dedicated group of volunteers for more than two decades, the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club is a non-profit, recreational and environmental education facility with a mandate to encourage affordable outdoor recreation, physical and mental fitness and appreciate the natural environment.

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009 was increased to an $8 million fund. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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