The Provincial Government and the Government of Canada are investing a total of $95,000 for the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce to improve the visitor experience at the Gander Tourism Information Centre by building a deck overlooking Gander Lake for musical and theatrical performances.
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced $24,247 for the project and Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, 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 $70,755.
This addition to the existing centre will be roofed, open-air, two-tiered and fully accessible. It will link, by trail, to key tourism assets in the vicinity, including walks along Gander Lake, a walk to the Silent Witness Memorial and a connection to the programs and activities at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. This project will build on the hospitality and talent of the region promoted in the Come From Away musical by featuring regional and provincial talent on the deck during the summer season.
This investment builds 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.
Increasing tourism 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
“Today’s announcement to enhance the Gander Visitor Information Centre will give regional businesses increased exposure and reach for their products. This funding will help increase Gander’s presence along the Trans-Canada Highway, and improve the sense of arrival to the community. Improving the visitor journey is a key initiative of the Tourism Product Development Plan, as we aim to increase the number of high quality, Newfoundland and Labrador tourism experiences to attract more visitors and encourage them to stay longer and experience more.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in smart initiatives that help strengthen and diversify communities and grow key industries like tourism. Investing in projects like this one in Gander, strengthens and grows the middle class, makes our communities even better places to visit and call home, and fosters broad-based prosperity.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Gander Tourism Information Centre is the arrival point for the majority of visitors to the region and operates year-round. Welcoming visitors with a beautiful view of Gander Lake and links to other tourism attractions in Gander will further enhance the existing tourism infrastructure in the town and help promote tourism throughout the Central region.”
Scott Simms
MP for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame
“Visitors have always enjoyed the many sites, trails and amenities that the Town of Gander has to offer, and that interest has increased substantially since Come From Away brought the story of the community’s generosity to the Broadway stage. Today’s investment will create a space at the Gander Tourism Information Centre to allow performances and activities that will be enjoyed by visitors, and local residents, for many years to come.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Gander
“Tourism plays such a crucial role to the economy of our area and 2017 was a banner year for year for our information centre with an increase of 20 per cent in visitor greetings. As the owner of a small antique shop and café in Trinity, I can attest that visitors are coming from far and near in droves. The addition of a viewing and gathering space will be a nice addition to accommodate this growing number of visitors to the information centre while providing an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful view of our pristine Gander Lake and local entertainment, while planning their excursion throughout our beautiful area. Whether visitors come to the area from within our province or beyond, we are here to ensure their visit is a truly experiential.”
Kirk White
Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce
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Learn more
The Way Forward
Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce
North Atlantic Aviation Museum
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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
Kristina George
Government Members Office
709-729-5306
kristinageorge@gov.nl.ca
Hazel Bishop
Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce
709-256-7110
ganderchamber@ganderchamber.nf.ca