The tourism industry is a key economic driver in Atlantic Canada, creating good paying jobs for the middle class, attracting new visitors and building strong and vibrant communities.
The Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation is committed to developing the downtown Stephenville core to become an iconic community hub for local residents and tourists. To that end, it is re-developing an existing lot on Main Street to create a new outdoor event centre and market. The multi-use public plaza will feature a covered stage venue, benches, market buildings, street lamps and a stone walking surface. It will be used for theatre performances, summer outdoor movies, tourist information, short term retail activity and other special events.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $190,678 for this project, and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is contributing $419,492.
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, along with Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, made the announcement today.
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.
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.
Quotes
“Our government is pleased to support the Stephenville downtown project which will promote the growth and expansion of the downtown business community. The development of a new downtown multi-functional event space in the heart of the Stephenville business and commercial district will serve as an activity center with supporting infrastructure to be used by residents in hosting performances, cultural activities, promotional and civic events. Creating people and program-based experiences such as this is a key goal our Tourism Product Development Plan.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Our government is committed to helping communities across Canada grow their tourism sectors so they can create good-paying jobs for the middle class. Many communities have proven that they can diversify and transform their economies through tourism. Thanks to the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation, Stephenville will be able to create a vibrant community hub which will draw more tourists to the region and appeal to local residents. This area of Newfoundland and Labrador has so much to offer, and continues to seek out new opportunities to reach their full potential. ”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
“Our government understands the important role that new community infrastructure has on developing the local economy, by creating new employment opportunities, growing local business and attracting new visitors and residents. We are thrilled to invest in the new event centre and market that the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation will be constructing in the downtown core. I commend the town and Association for taking on this initiative and recognizing the significance of having a vibrant community activity hub, which will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.”
Gudie Hutchings
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“Two years ago, The BIA recognized that the downtown of Stephenville was in need of a revitalization and thanks the our partners with ACOA and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry, and Innovation we had a new Master Plan developed by the UPLAND Engineering firm. This plan has generated a great deal of enthusiasm within our community and has given us a comprehensive development strategy for the future of our downtown.”
Bob Byrnes, Chair
Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation
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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
Bob Byrnes
Chair
Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation
709-643-2991
byrnesshoes@nf.aibn.com