Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
January 16, 2017

Building a Stronger Economy

Federal and Provincial Investments Support Coastal Labrador Communities

Several communities on the southern coast of Labrador will enhance community and tourism infrastructure, thanks in part to investments by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced $305,835 in federal funding to support five projects, and Lisa Dempster, MHA for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, announced provincial funding of $89,320 for one of these projects.

The Town of Red Bay is using $170,330 from ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund and $89,320 from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development to implement Phase II of its brand identity and signage plan for the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station UNESCO World Heritage Site, the leading tourism destination in southern Labrador.

The Town of L'Anse Au Clair is receiving $57,102 in Government of Canada funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) to enhance a trail in the community, upgrade its playground, and acquire equipment for a community centre.

The Town of Cartwright is using $23,908 through CIP 150 to enhance an existing gymnasium and playground within the community.

The Town of L'Anse Au Loup is receiving $36,142 through CIP 150 to renovate the community pool and improve the existing ski trail.

And, the Town of Forteau will use $18,353 from CIP 150 to improve its playground through the acquisition and installation of playground equipment.

CIP 150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada's activities to honour Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation. The program is delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA.

"The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program allows the Government of Canada to follow through on its promise to renovate, expand and improve existing community and cultural infrastructure - projects we need and use - making a difference in our lives and communities, while programs such as ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund allows for strategic investments that build on a community's strengths and contributes to long-term, sustainable economic growth."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

"The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in communities is necessary to strengthen the middle class and provide municipalities with the building blocks they need to grow, develop opportunities and to support a high standard of living for all Canadians and their families. These investments in Southern Labrador improve on our community and recreational infrastructure and also support the long-term development and marketing of one of our country's signature tourism offerings, the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station UNESCO World Heritage Site."
- Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament, Labrador

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to support the Town of Red Bay's directional signage project, and its effort to preserve and develop tourism offerings in the region. This important work will continue to enhance the visitor experience to the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station UNESCO World Heritage Site, and help attract more tourists to the leading tourism destination in southern Labrador. As outlined in government'sThe Way Forward vision document, we committed to building a stronger, more diverse economy in our province, and this investment recognizes tourism as a major contributor to the current and future economic prosperity of the Labrador Straits region."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

"I'm delighted to see these enhancements to recreation and tourism infrastructure in these communities. The tourism industry has tremendous potential in this region and these upgrades will benefit residents and visitors alike for many years to come. It's a clear signal that investing in the long-term sustainability of Newfoundland and Labrador's communities is a priority for both the Provincial and Federal Governments."
- Lisa Dempster, MHA, Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair

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Media contacts:

Eric Humber Media Relations Manager Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4819,709-725-9655 erichumber@gov.nl.ca	Paul McGrath Director, Communications ACOA NL 709-772-2984 paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Shirley Hopkins Town of Cartwright 709-938-7259	Janice Normore Town of L'Anse Au Loup 709-927-5573
Heather Jordan Town of Forteau 709-931-2241

2017 01 16                              11:45 a.m.