Investments Support Humber Valley Tourism Industry
News Release
Federal and provincial governments provide more than $494,000 in funding for projects in Steady Brook
July 6, 2017 – Steady Brook, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Investments from the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will help tourism growth and development in the province’s Humber Valley region. Marble Resort Development Limited will renovate its Marble Inn Resort to offer larger conference facilities and the Town of Steady Brook will continue developing its community trail system to benefit both residents and visitors.
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), today announced more than $243,000 for the two projects. Scott Reid, MHA for the District of St. George’s – Humber, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced a contribution of $250,818 from the provincial government for the Town of Steady Brook and Marble Resort Development Limited.
Marble Resort Development Limited is receiving a repayable contribution of $135,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) to renovate the Marble Inn Resort to accommodate conferences of up to 80 participants. The upgraded facilities will address a need for additional conference space in the region to help attract events that support the tourism industry.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation provided an investment of $53,590 through its Business Development Support program for Marble Resort Development Limited to implement a marketing plan. To be implemented over the next two years, this comprehensive marketing plan will account for market analysis, competition, pricing, advertising and promotion, image, branding, primary target groups and secondary target groups.
In addition, a $108,280 investment from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and $197,228 in funding from the provincial government will enable the Town of Steady Brook to start work on phase two of its strategic, integrated trail system. The Town will develop a pedestrian link for the cluster of tourism attractions and amenities in the region, which will complement the area’s existing tourism attractions. Work will include engineering design and development as well as upgrades to trails, trailheads, parking areas and lookouts.
The Humber Valley region offers tourism attractions for all seasons, including Marble Mountain Ski Resort, Marble Zip Line, Steady Brook Falls, Steady Brook Wetlands and the Humber Valley River, which offers salmon fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Canada’s tourism industry and is committed to promoting increased tourism in regions across the country. In partnership with local businesses such as Marble Resort Development Limited and communities such as Steady Brook, we are supporting the development of tourism assets that will help drive growth and create new economic opportunities.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Humber Valley is widely recognized as one of our province’s key tourism destinations and these investments will add to the natural attractions and amenities available in this region. The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in tourism initiatives like these, which support business growth, job creation and a stronger tourism industry.”
Gudie Hutchings, MP for Long Range Mountains
“Our government recognizes the importance of tourism, and economic benefits this industry provides to our province. As outlined in The Way Forward, these investments will assist in reaching our goal of $1.6 billion annually in resident and non-resident visitor spending by 2020. Today’s announcement works towards that objective, as well as enhancing economic prosperity and business development opportunities in the Humber Valley area.”
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation“I am pleased to see these investments for the Marble Inn Resort and Town of Steady Brook. Larger conference facilities and an improved trail system will foster economic development and tourism growth in the region. This funding is another great example of how a strong relationship with our federal counterparts benefits Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Scott Reid, MHA, District of St. George’s - Humber“I appreciate the support of the federal government for tourism in Western Newfoundland and the Humber Valley. Strategic tourism investment can represent economic value to communities but the potential impact goes further than jobs. The same recreational initiative that supports tourism also preserves green spaces for generations to come and promotes active and healthy living.”
Joe Dicks, General Manager and CEO, Marble Resort Development Corporation
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Public Affairs
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
Joe Dicks
General Manager and CEO
Marble Resort Development Limited
709-634-2237
gm@marbleinn.com
Margaret Howlett
Town Councilor and Chair of the Trail Committee
Town of Steady Brook
709-639-1955
marghowlett@hotmail.com