Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
October 9, 2009
Boardwalk Development Promotes Tourism
on Labrador�s North Coast
The Rigolet Inuit Community Government is receiving
$20,957 from the Provincial Government to extend the
community�s scenic boardwalk. A long-time distinguishing
feature of Rigolet, the boardwalk is now an important
component of the community�s tourism strategy, leading
cruise ship passengers, history and heritage buffs, and
local youth to the area�s culturally and historically
significant sites.
"Rigolet has become a popular destination for
hundreds of visitors seeking a rich cultural experience
in a pristine and picturesque environment," said the
Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development. "By investing in Rigolet�s
tourism-related infrastructure, the community is able to
bolster its experiential tourism product and entice
visitors to stay longer."
The boardwalk project was initiated by the Rigolet
Inuit Community Government in 1999. Today, 4.4
kilometres of trail has been completed. The project�s
latest phase, to be completed in November, will add 1.6
kilometres to the trail beginning in the area known as
Burnt Cove Hill, continuing around Burnt Cove Point, and
bring users to a historical salmon factory. The trail
will guide hikers along a beautiful shoreline and
popular whale-watching area, complete with a viewfinder
and storyboard, gazebo, picnic site, and an attractive
outlook to the opening of Lake Melville.
"The
community of Rigolet is pleased with the support of the
Provincial Government in the development of what will
become one of the longest boardwalks in the world," said
Melva Williams, Community Development Officer, Rigolet
Inuit Community Government. "The boardwalk, currently
under construction, is a major economic boost for our
community, drawing tourists to the area and creating
much needed employment."
The boardwalk is a significant part of Rigolet�s rich
history. Its construction began in the late 1800s and
connected the Hudson Bay Company�s buildings that served
the community. Today, it is a main tourism attraction
for the Inuit community. With approximately four cruise
ship and 22 Northern Ranger visits occurring in
the community each year, the new section of boardwalk
will add value to other attractions in Rigolet such as
the Net Loft Museum, Lord Strathcona House
Interpretation Centre, and community craft shop.
"The Rigolet boardwalk offers visitors a rare
opportunity to take a stroll through the centuries in
this scenic community, which is why it is so important
to protect and enhance this great contribution to the
cultural heritage of Labrador�s North Coast," said the
Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
and MHA, Torngat Mountains. "The funding announced today
will go towards meeting the long-term goal of the
Provincial Government�s Northern Strategic Plan
to achieve a strengthened tourism industry that
maximizes social and economic benefits. Labrador�s
tourism sector continues to expand and is a significant
part of the region�s economy."
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral
Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget
2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation 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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