Town of Holyrood Waterfront Development to Boost Tourism and Community Growth

  • Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

July 19, 2019

The Town of Holyrood is strengthening community infrastructure by developing its waterfront area to support the region’s growing tourism sector and create new economic opportunities. Significant improvements are being made to the aesthetics, utility, and functionality of the boardwalk and festival grounds through the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador which is investing $77,408, and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, which is providing a non-repayable contribution of $112,511.

This initiative will increase tourism and economic development opportunities for the Town of Holyrood and its surrounding area and will improve amenities for residents and visitors to the region.

Pam Parsons, Parliamentary Secretary for Transportation and Works and MHA for the district of Harbour Grace-Port de Grave, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, and 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 ACOA, made the announcement today.

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. 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 government is supportive of the Town of Holyrood for its proactive approach to economic development in multiple sectors, including making it a priority to develop the region’s assets. These enhancements will increase access and usage that could assist with expanded programming and improved visitor experience in the region.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“The Government of Canada is committed to building strong, vibrant communities in Atlantic Canada by making strategic investments in tourism that build competitive regional advantages. We are pleased to support the Town of Holyrood in their waterfront development, which will generate opportunities for economic success in the region and help create long-term prosperity.”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“I’m delighted that our government is helping the Town of Holyrood improve its boardwalk and festival grounds. This investment will improve the community experience for tourists and residents alike, helping the region to capitalize on economic development opportunities. I commend the town for taking the initiative with this project, and for recognizing the importance of community infrastructure for long-term development.”
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 ACOA

“The Town Council of Holyrood is committed to providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The Main Beach Boardwalk is an iconic feature of our town which allows residents and visitors to be up-close with nature. The announcement of funding by both the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation is welcome news. It will enable us to enhance the waterfront area and provide residents and visitors with quality recreational infrastructure. These improvements will assist us in promoting Holyrood as a tourism destination creating meaningful economic activity in Holyrood.”
Gary Goobie
Mayor, Town of Holyrood

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Learn more
Town of Holyrood external link icon

The Way Forward

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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

Gary Goobie
Town of Holyrood
709-229-7252
Gary.Goobie@Holyrood.ca

2019 07 19 11:45 am