The Provincial Government and the Government of Canada are investing a total of $112,500 in the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society to develop and implement a marketing plan.
Mark Browne, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced $31,250 from the Regional Development Fund for this project. Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, 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 non-repayable investment of $81,250.
The Manuels River Natural Heritage Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, enhancement and conservation of the Manuels River system through wildlife habitat improvement, operation of the Hibernia Interpretation Centre, the delivery of educational programming and the development of the trail network. Manuels River is home to one of the world’s oldest trilobite fossil discoveries and shows evidence of ancient volcanoes, beaches and glaciers. The site offers hiking, geocaching, bird-watching, interactive exhibits, guided tours, as well as a gift store, café and movie theatre.
These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
This initiative also delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“As an important attraction in Conception Bay South, Manuels River continues to advance economic development opportunities and other priorities as identified in the Northeast Avalon Destination Development Plan. Today’s announcement demonstrates a commitment by many partners to enhance marketing efforts while developing brand awareness around the site.”
Mark Browne
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, we are challenging the status quo. It’s about doing things differently. We’re applying new thinking and a new level of collaboration to target economic growth. This investment in the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society, Inc. is a tangible example of how the Strategy is helping create real change.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Manuels River has been a destination of choice for families and tourists for many years, especially since the opening of the Hibernia Interpretation Centre in 2013. The River’s geological assets and trail system provide an opportunity for the site to become a signature tourist destination in the province. Implementation of this marketing plan will be an important step in realizing the tourism potential of Manuels River.”
Ken McDonald
MP for Avalon
“Manuels River would like to thank the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for their support of our marketing project. This project will enable Manuels River to reach new audiences and further our mandate of Education, Conservation and Recreation.”
Donald Sword,
Chair, Manuels River Natural Heritage Society
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Learn more
Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre
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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
Jillian Whittle
Manuels River Natural Heritage Society
709-834-2476
jillian.whittle@manuelsriver.com