Port of Fortune Enhancements to Increase Tourism Traffic and Spur Economic Growth

  • Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

July 25, 2019

The Fortune Port Corporation is making significant upgrades at the Port of Fortune to accommodate two new state-of-the-art ferries that will operate between the Town of Fortune and the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon on a year-round basis. The project includes expanding the existing wharf, enhancing traffic flow on the waterfront and improving directional signage. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $500,000 towards this project, while the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $1,000,000.

This initiative will enable the Town of Fortune and local businesses to capitalize on tourism and economic development opportunities arising from an increase in the number of visitors to the area and the transport of goods and services.

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, and the Honourable Carol Anne Haley, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and MHA for Burin-Grand Bank, joined Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, for 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 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 committed to growing and enhancing the economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative will play a significant role in providing year round access to our neighbours in St. Pierre and Miquelon, helping to drive and develop tourism opportunities in the region and increase business activity.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“There has been a long and binding relationship between St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland and Labrador, and Fortune has been at the centre of that relationship. With the upgrades that will take place to the wharf and infrastructure thanks to the funding announced today, that relationship will be even more firmly cemented as we move forward. The Fortune Port Authority can rightfully be proud of today’s announcement, as it is their vision and tenaciousness that made this possible.”
Honourable Carol Anne Haley
Minister responsible for the Status of Women and MHA for Burin-Grand Bank

“The visitor economy is one of Canada’s most important growth opportunities. That is why our government is committed to helping communities across Canada like Fortune grow their tourism sectors. This investment in this key piece of infrastructure will help draw more visitors to the Fortune area, support business growth, boost the local economy and contribute to the vitality of communities throughout the Burin Peninsula.”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Our government understands the importance of resilience, dedication and cooperation in building a strong, prosperous and adept economy. This project with the Fortune Port Corporation exemplifies the benefits that can be realized through strong partnerships and respectful negotiations. We are thrilled to invest in these enhancements to the wharf and surrounding facilities at the Port of Fortune. I commend everyone involved for their commitment to this project and to strengthening this region’s economy as well as Canada’s relations with the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Fortune Port Corporation appreciates the support from ACOA and the Provincial Government, which is enabling us to complete strategic infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Fortune. The upgrades will help attract more tourists to the Burin Peninsula year-round, generate economic activity for the Fortune area and enhance our important relationship with the French islands.”
Earl Rose
President, Fortune Port Corporation 

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Learn more
St. Pierre et Miquelon external link

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Des améliorations au port de Fortune accroîtront le tourisme et stimuleront la croissance économique

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

Nancy Hollett
Office for the Status of Women
709-729-4934, 725-6078
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

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

Earl Rose
Fortune Port Corporation
709-832-5615
fortuneharbour@hotmail.com

2019 07 25 12:00 pm