Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
May 23, 2017

Projects in Channel-Port aux Basques Area Receive Government Funding

The governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada recognize the importance of spurring economic development and increasing potential business interest in order to ensure the sustainability and viability of communities. Together, the Provincial and Federal Governments are investing more than $339,000 in two projects in the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and MHA for Burgeo - La Poile, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced over $113,000 for initiatives in the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques. This includes an investment of $73,381 for Phase Two of the Downtown Revitalization, and $40,000 towards the establishment of a multi-purpose space.

In addition, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced a total of $225,843 in funding from ACOA�s Innovative Communities Fund for these two initiatives.

Phase Two of the Downtown Revitalization will help stimulate new development opportunities, while retaining the historic integrity of the downtown area with enhancements to signage, lighting and sidewalks and the addition of murals and street banners. The new multi-purpose space, which will offer meeting areas to help address the needs of business and community groups in the region, will be in the same home as the planned regional daycare centre operated by the Growing Our Future Childcare Cooperative.

Quotes
�Our government is committed to building a stronger economic foundation for Newfoundland and Labrador as we position the province to be a competitive place to live, work, do business and raise a family. Today�s announcement contributes to the advancement of this commitment with investments that will help provide economic benefits to the tourism industry, support business development opportunities, and address child care needs in the Channel-Port aux Basques area.�
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

�Port aux Basques is a thriving regional hub, and a great place to live and work. These investments will help to strengthen and ensure the long-term sustainability of this dynamic community. I am pleased that, through strong intergovernmental co-operation, we are able to invest in communities in every part of Newfoundland and Labrador.�
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and MHA for Burgeo - La Poile

�The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of strong partnerships with provincial and municipal governments and community groups in growing healthy, vibrant communities with sustainable futures. Investments such as the ones we are announcing today are part of a strategic plan to strengthen the economy and create good, well-paying jobs for middle class Canadians.�
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

�As a hub for this region of the province and a gateway to Newfoundland and Labrador for the thousands of visitors who arrive via Marine Atlantic, Channel-Port aux Basques has a strong and active business sector. These types of investments support the future growth and sustainability of our communities by helping to upgrade and improve the very places where we come together to welcome visitors, to take part in and promote healthy activities, and to build a strong economy.�
Gudie Hutchings
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

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Learn more
Town of Channel-Port aux Basques - //www.portauxbasques.ca/home/index.php external link

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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

2017 05 23                              3:30 p.m.