Strengthening Tourism Infrastructure to Attract More Visitors

  • Executive Council
  • Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

March 4, 2019

Through financial support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation external link icon is improving its trail grooming system and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation is boosting Deer Lake’s tourism offerings.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation is replacing and upgrading its grooming equipment, which will improve the province’s snowmobile trail network, enhance the region’s winter tourism products and ensure the safest and best snowmobiling experience possible for residents and visitors alike.

The Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation will undertake various tourism infrastructure improvements to draw more visitors and spur economic development in the community. The initiative will involve new trail development, upgrades to existing trails and improved signage, as well as beach area enhancements, including establishing a community market and building a change house and parking area.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $509,261 for these two projects and the Government of Canada is providing non-repayable contributions totalling $580,933.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) ; and Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains.

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. 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.

The tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador generates over $1.1 billion in visitor spending each year, and is responsible for over 20,000 jobs, representing 2,600 businesses. As committed in The Way Forward, the Provincial Government is aiming to double resident and non-resident visitor spending to $1.6 billion by 2020.

Support for these tourism initiatives on the west coast of the island also deliver 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
“Our support for the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation aims to bring more visitors to Deer Lake, and the entire province, while ensuring ongoing development of opportunities in the tourism industry. Supporting tourism product development and enhancing experiences for the winter and shoulder seasons is part of our government’s continued focus on promoting economic growth and diversification.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Government of Canada understands that strategic investments in key industries like tourism help stimulate economic growth, create good paying middle class jobs and build diversified, dynamic communities. We are pleased to support these two initiatives announced today, which will have a positive impact on Deer Lake’s growing tourism sector and support winter tourism activities in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Melanie Joly
Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history, cultural attractions, adventurous outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery draw visitors from around the world. There’s something for everyone – no matter the season. Our investments in the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation will further develop and modernize our province’s snowmobile trails and foster new winter tourism opportunities, as well as upgrade Deer Lake’s tourism infrastructure, which will attract more visitors year-round and generate economic growth.”
Gudie Hutchings
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary and we have experienced excellent stability and growth over the last few years. This season our trail pass sales have been the highest we have ever experienced. The product we are providing to our trail pass holders has been improving every year. Additionally, we are becoming a key component of the Newfoundland and Labrador winter tourism product. Snowmobiling is adding a great deal to our provincial economy, especially in rural areas. We would like to thank ACOA and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for the support and the confidence they have shown us in providing this funding, which will help to ensure our continued stability and growth.”
Bob Blundon
Chairperson, Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation

“The Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation is extremely grateful to our MP, Gudie Hutchings, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for their continuing commitment to the community of Deer Lake. We would also like to thank the provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for their contribution towards our Tourism Master Plan. The funding being announced today will allow the Town of Deer Lake to enhance its tourism offerings, especially on our trail system and beach area. These initiatives will help justify the many accolades we have received for our work in enhancing tourism in our town, which was recently named one of the 19 best laces to visit in 2019 by Expedia.”
Sheila Mercer
Chairperson, Deer Lake Tourism Development Association

– 30 –

Learn more
Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan

The Way Forward

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL

Media contacts
Erin Sulley
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
erinsulley@gov.nl.ca

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

Tony Sheppard
Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation
709-635-4395, Ext 223
generalmanager@nlsf.org

Damon Clarke
Town of Deer Lake
709-635-0165
deerlakeedo@nf.aibn.com

2019 03 04 9:20 am