Cyclists and Businesses to Benefit from Trail Development Project
News Release
West Coast Cycling Association will enhance infrastructure for local cyclists and tourists
November 16, 2017 – Corner Brook, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Further development of a local mountain bike trail network will create jobs, offer new business opportunities and support the diversification and growth of the economy in the Corner Brook area. That is why the Government of Canada is investing $32,707 to help the West Coast Cycling Association (WCCA) complete stage two of a four-stage cycling trail development project.
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 funding for the initiative through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
This project includes the construction of a 5.6 kilometre “Quarry Climb and Figure Eight Loop” to complement the first stage of this cycling trail, a 2.8 kilometre trail in downtown Corner Brook. The focus of the WCAA’s four-stage trail development plan is to build a network for mountain biking. However, these trails will be used for multiple purposes, with potential for winter tourism through snowshoeing and “fat bike” excursions.
This investment builds on the Government of Canada’s and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This Strategy involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting strategic projects that help the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with local businesses and non-profit organizations like the West Coast Cycling Association, to grow the local economy and grow key sectors such as tourism. Investments like this one promote healthy lifestyles, create jobs for the middle class and those working to join it and support businesses, especially those in the tourism industry.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Construction of the Quarry Climb and Figure Eight trail will help the WCCA establish the Corner Brook region as a mountain biking destination. This designation will have positive economic impacts on the region, with research estimating that a single-national level mountain bike race can generate $600,000 for a local region.”
Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“Newfoundland is an exotic place to travel. Mountain bikers specifically want to come here for our sought-after rugged terrain. We want to create a riding experience that rivals the best in Canada; fulfilling the adventure seeking mountain biker with lifelong memories of our fine province.”
Peter Ollerhead, President, West Coast Cycling Association Inc.
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Peter Ollerhead
President
West Coast Cycling Association Inc.
709-634-7100
peter@cyclesolutions.ca