Snowmobile Clubs Receive Equipment Upgrades
News Release
Investments will support winter tourism infrastructure
March 31, 2017 – Fredericton, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Snowmobiling, the leading economic generator for the province’s winter tourism sector, will receive a boost to its infrastructure, thanks to a Government of Canada investment with the Supervillage Trail Blazer Inc. (Belledune) and Club des motoneigistes de la Rivière-Verte Inc. (Edmundston).
René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made the announcement today. The Government of Canada is providing non-repayable contributions of $100,000 to each club through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund for the purchase of new equipment. The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Inc. is also playing a strategic role in the development of this project, along with other similar projects to enhance winter tourism in Hartland, Petitcodiac and Rexton.
The equipment will help enhance the maintenance capacity for the province-wide network of snowmobile trails.
The economic impact of snowmobiling is of significant importance for New Brunswick. In 2014-15, snowmobilers spent nearly $18 million while on out-of-town snowmobile trips. Non-resident snowmobile tourism spending was estimated at $5 million. Snowmobile tourism also added an estimated $8 million to the provincial GDP.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to investments that make a real difference in our communities. This contribution supports the winter tourism season and helps further create direct opportunities for sustainable and viable economic activity in New Brunswick.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting both the Supervillage Trail Blazer Inc. and Club des motoneigistes de la Rivière-Verte Inc. Tourism is an economic driver for every Canadian community. This is an industry that supports our small businesses and creates jobs in regions large and small, urban and rural from coast to coast to coast.”
- René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska- Restigouche
“We are very grateful and appreciative for the support received from the Government of Canada to supplement the infrastructure of New Brunswick’s leading winter tourism sector. The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs leads all winter tourism sectors in the province through the work of our volunteers and members, which contributes $32.7 million annually in tourism economic impacts. This financial support recognizes both our efforts and success.”
Brad Mann, President, New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Inc.
Contacts
Paul CJ LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Ross Antworth
General Manager
New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Inc.
506-447-1258