Backgrounder: Labrador West projects help improve community capacity and winter tourism attractions

The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing more than $574,000 in three initiatives in Labrador West which will improve recreational facilities, and support a popular winter tourism event and various business support activities.

Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, 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 more than $321,000 and the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) announced provincial funding of more than $253,000 for three projects.

The Menihek Nordic Ski Club Association  (English only)

ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), non-repayable investment of $123,373.

TCII investment of $54,695.

The project will include enhancements to the ski club’s infrastructure and product offerings. Specifically, the chalet and outer building will be renovated, trail development activities will be improved, new equipment will be purchased and marketing will be enhanced.

These improvements will allow the ski club to position itself as a prime destination for cross-country skiing in North America. It will also enable the ski club to host higher caliber sporting events and attract higher caliber athletes. 

Cain's Quest Inc.  (English only)

ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), non-repayable investment of $99,800.

Provincial government investment of $98,700.

This project includes a contribution over a two-year period to market and host Cain’s Quest 2018. This pan-Labrador snowmobile endurance race will occur in March 2018. Its proposed route spans approximately 3,000 kilometres across eastern, northern, southern and western Labrador.

Labrador West Chamber of Commerce  (English only)

ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), non-repayable investment of $99,500.

Provincial government investment of $99,870.

This project allows the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce to host the Labrador MINEx mining symposium, a Women in Business conference and a series of five workshops aimed at increasing economic development in Labrador West. The Labrador West Chamber of Commerce (LWCC) is an association with a mandate to promote and improve trade and commerce as well as the economic, civil, and social welfare of the Labrador West region.