Investments Announced for Northern Peninsula Tourism and Community Initiatives

Federal and provincial funding supports community development projects

January 16, 2017 – St. Anthony (NL) – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Support was announced today for nine projects to improve community infrastructure and enhance tourism on the Northern Peninsula. During an event today, 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 the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a total of more than $1.2 million for these projects. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development also announced a total investment of more than $617,000 in provincial funding for six of the projects.

This announcement supports cultural tourism development at several sites as well as infrastructure upgrades to community and recreational amenities in the region. The projects supported through these federal and provincial investments will enable communities along the Northern Peninsula to further develop quality visitor experiences and will also benefit residents by improving several key community assets.

Federal funding for the initiatives is being provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, Business Development Program and the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150).

CIP 150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada continues to work with partners such as community groups on the Northern Peninsula to make investments to build smart, strong and sustainable regions. The support announced for these projects will enhance and improve cultural and community infrastructure while also celebrating Canada’s rich and vibrant history.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“With its rich history that ranges from archaeological sites to the fishery, the Northern Peninsula is a unique place to live and to experience as a visitor. These investments from the Government of Canada support the ongoing work of local organizations to renovate, expand and improve existing community and cultural infrastructure that will make a difference in our lives and communities.”

-       Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament, Long Range Mountains

“I am delighted by the investments in community infrastructure and tourism products to further enhance economic development on the Northern Peninsula. This funding will entice business and community initiatives, and spur economic growth, job creation and overall prosperity. Government’s The Way Forward vision document highlights a commitment to economic diversification and tourism, and these investments will help attract visitors to explore the Great Northern Peninsula’s rich culture, strong heritage and spectacular scenery.”

-       The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development  

Associated Links

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (ACOA)
• Business Development Program (non-repayable)

Contacts 

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca 

Michelle Hunt-Grouchy
Director, Communications
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
709-729-4570
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca

Malcolm Campbell
Harbour Master
709-454-7099
St. Anthony Port Authority
stanthonyportauthorityinc@bellaliant.com 

Denecka Burden
Manager
Norstead Village Inc.
709-623-2828
norstead@nf.aibn.com 

Mayor Ernest Simms
Town of St. Anthony
709-454-3453
ernestsimms62@gmail.com  

Noah T. Smith
President
Raleigh Historical Corporation Inc.
709-454-1157
ntstiny@hotmail.com 

Lizeta Gould
Chairperson
French Rooms Cultural Centre Inc.
709-861-3409
lizetagould@nf.sympatico.ca

Bruce Way
Town Manager
Town of Flower’s Cove
709-456-2124
townofflowerscove@nf.aibn.com 

Cynthia Randell
Manager
Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society
709-454-4010
manager@grenfell-properties.com

Gloria Toope
Executive Director
St. Barbe Development Association
709-247-2371
sbda@nf.aibn.com 

BACKGROUNDER

The St. Anthony Port Authority is receiving a $900,000 investment from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund to enhance its marine infrastructure by expanding the channel width at Harbour Rock from 35 metres to 85 metres. This will provide access into the inner harbour for larger vessels, which will strategically position the Port of St. Anthony to meet its clients' current and future needs and to capitalize on new growth opportunities. The provincial Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD) is providing $450,000 towards this project.

French Shore Historical Society Inc. is receiving a $109,820 investment from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) and $89,792 from the provincial Department of BTCRD to make improvements to their existing interpretation centre in Conche.  This includes an extension of the property, interior improvements, enhancements to the surrounding landscape and the construction of a viewing case to display the French Shore Tapestry.

Norstead Village Inc. is being provided with a non-repayable $59,340 investment from ACOA’s Business Development Program and $29,750 from BTCRD to undertake initiatives related to programming, partnerships and marketing at the Norstead Viking Village in L'Anse aux Meadows to enhance its cultural tourism products and increase visitation. This project will strengthen its sustainability and further develop cultural tourism on the Northern Peninsula.

The Town of St. Anthony is receiving a $50,108 investment from the CIP 150 to resurface the existing tennis and basketball court and build a skate park in the area. The work includes repaving the existing parks, reinstating the fencing and developing a new skate park adjacent to the existing courts.

Raleigh Historical Corporation Inc. is receiving a $44,304 investment from the CIP 150 and $22,206 from BTCRD to repair and upgrade existing tourism infrastructure focused on preserving and celebrating the historical involvement of the community of Raleigh in the inshore fishery. Work includes improvements to existing buildings such as storage sheds, bunkhouses, stages, a cookhouse and a boathouse.

The French Rooms Cultural Centre Inc. is receiving a $21,356 investment from the CIP 150 and $20,483 from BTCRD to upgrade and expand the infrastructure at its French Oven replica site in Port au Choix.  The project will enable the organization to develop a cultural tourism initiative focussed on the dining experience of fishermen of an earlier time period. The project includes upgrading the French Oven to accommodate increased usage, adding parking and construction of a shelter to provide seating for visitors.

The Town of Flower’s Cove is receiving a $17,631 investment from the CIP 150 to upgrade an existing trail in the community.  Approximately 3,000 feet of the 12,000 foot White Rocks Trail will be upgraded, which will benefit residents and visitors to the area.

The Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society will use a $14,625 investment from the CIP 150 to enhance and improve the exterior of its building. The Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society was created to honour and preserve the historical importance of Dr. Grenfell and his medical and community development work along the Northern Peninsula and in Southern Labrador which began in the late 1800s.

The St. Barbe Development Association received $6,225 from the CIP 150 and $5,180 from BTCRD to enhance the RV Park at St. Barbe by installing electrical service at 12 existing camp sites.