Government Investments Support Tourism Development in Harbour Grace
News Release
Federal and provincial funding will boost tourism growth and community economic development
August 11, 2017 – Harbour Grace, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Town of Harbour Grace is stepping up its efforts to increase the number of visitors to its town and further develop the tourism sector by improving community infrastructure and creating new ways to enhance visitors’ experience.
Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, 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 a $150,000 investment from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund for this project. Pam Parsons, MHA for Harbour Grace-Port de Grave, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced $37,000 in provincial funding.
These investments will enable the Town of Harbour Grace to undertake several activities that will build community capacity and better position the town to become a popular tourist destination. The project includes visual enhancements and branding, trail development, directional signage and interpretative panels, beautification of the downtown core, website improvements and an interactive visitor app.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is convinced that public investment in key sectors like tourism is an important catalyst that spurs economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. We are committed to working in partnership with municipalities like the Town of Harbour Grace, and investing in projects that help increase economic development capacity and the diversification of our communities.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting projects that foster economic growth and create strong, vibrant communities, especially in rural areas. We are pleased to support the Town of Harbour Grace and invest in this initiative which will help build a successful and sustainable tourism industry for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors for many years to come.”
- Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon
“Today’s announcement will assist the Town of Harbour Grace with developing assets linked to tourism and increase economic opportunities in the area. Through partnerships, our government will continue to support the growth of the tourism industry and help to achieve the provincial goal of $1.6 billion annually in resident and non-resident visitor spending by 2020.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“I am very excited for the benefits these investments from the federal and provincial governments will bring to the town of Harbour Grace. Our community is a hub for tourism in the province, and this investment will ensure the industry continues to flourish. These investments will not only help our strong tourism industry in Harbour Grace, but will have numerous benefits for the community at large. I am pleased that the federal and provincial governments recognize and support our rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and I look forward to seeing the rewards that these investments will bring.”
- Pam Parsons, MHA, District of Harbour Grace-Port de Grave“I am beyond pleased that the federal government is investing in tourism initiatives in the Town of Harbour Grace through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and I also thank the provincial government for its support of our project. Apart from Foreign Direct Investment, tourism is one of the top ways that we can increase our economic stability through outside investment. Tourism not only attracts visitors to the region who purchase goods and services, but it also attracts businesses that capitalize on the revenue opportunities the visitors create. The socio-economic implications for this project go beyond the value added for visitors; we will also be making it a better place for residents to live. We look forward to partnering with ACOA and the provincial government and seeing our town come to life through this project.”
- His Worship, Terry Barnes, Mayor, Town of Harbour Grace
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
Mike Saccary
Town of Harbour Grace
709-596-2453
mikesaccary@hrgrace.ca