Bishop’s Falls developing sustainable tourism infrastructure
News Release
Joint government funding supports Town’s tourism strategy
April 20, 2017 – Bishop’s Falls, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Town of Bishop’s Falls is launching Phase 1 of the Exploits River Tourism Strategy to enhance its tourism infrastructure and respond to multi-season demand. This project will diversify the community's economy by creating and enhancing tourism opportunities around the Exploits River and the recreational salmon fishery.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced $536,977 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) towards this project. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore and MHA Jerry Dean announced $250,000 from the department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. Mayor Robert Hobbs announced that the Town of Bishop’s Falls is contributing $393,488.
The project will include the construction of the Station Road slipway and parking lot; the Fallsview Park boat launch; the Trestle View Interpretation Park; the Main Street Viewing Area; and directional signage.
The Exploits River is widely recognized as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and salmon fishing. It is famous for its Atlantic salmon, big game, natural resources and recreational use by white water rafters, canoeists and kayakers.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in projects that will provide both immediate help to Canada’s middle class and help expand opportunities for those working hard to join in. This project builds on existing tourism assets in the Town of Bishop’s Falls and provides meaningful employment as well as continued opportunities for economic and community-based growth and diversification.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA“Developing multi-season tourism demand is important in fostering sustainable, viable tourism products and services. This project furthers the Town's tourism strategy, enhances its attractions and services and capitalizes on its proximity to a natural tourism asset, the world class Exploits River.”
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame“Today’s investment to enhance the Exploits River Tourism Strategy is a clear indication of our government’s commitment to supporting economic development opportunities. This investment serves as a catalyst for regional business activity in the Exploits region, and will play a key role as we strive towards The Way Forward, and reaching a target of $1.6 billion annually in tourist spending by 2020.”
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation“The tourism industry in the Bishop’s Falls area has tremendous potential, with pristine wilderness and a salmon river second to none in this province. I am very glad to see these investments from ACOA and the Department, which will go a long way towards unlocking and harnessing this potential. Strong intergovernmental co-operation like this ensures the long-term sustainability of Newfoundland and Labrador’s communities.”
Jerry Dean, MHA, Exploits
“The Exploits River is a significant tourism asset for the Town of Bishop’s Falls and we are very pleased to partner with ACOA and the province to implement phase one of our strategy. We are enhancing access to the Exploits River above and below the hydro facility and this will create many possibilities for tourists in terms of fishing, boating, kayaking, and things of this nature. The Exploits adventure starts in Bishop’s Falls and this project builds on that brand. In addition, the developments along the river will provide the private sector with business opportunities, and Council encourages interested persons to seek them out.”His Worship, Robert (Bob) Hobbs, Mayor, Town of Bishop's Falls
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725- 9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Jerry Dean
MHA for Exploits
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3400
jerrydean@gov.nl.ca
Robert Hobbs
Mayor
Town of Bishop’s Falls
709-258-6581
mayorhobbs@bishopsfalls.ca