Vibrant downtown cores are instrumental in creating a sense of place and directly correlated to business attraction and retention. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing $67,500 to help the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation create an updated vision for downtown development in Stephenville.

“Investing in communities is necessary to strengthen the middle class and provide communities with the building blocks they need to grow, develop opportunities and support a high standard of living for all Canadians and their families. The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with municipalities and not-for-profit organizations like the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation, to support projects that increase economic development opportunities.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Enhancing Stephenville’s downtown environment and creating an inviting atmosphere will lead to increased traffic in the downtown area and positively impact the local economy.  Short term benefits include construction jobs during the restoration phase, while long-term, this project will provide an enhanced business environment to help attract new businesses and meet the needs of existing businesses.”

Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“The Way Forward guides our government as we build a stronger economic foundation to promote a healthy and prosperous province. By investing in the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation, we are helping to enhance economic development, and advance opportunities for growth in the region.”

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“Stephenville’s rich heritage is reflected in the community’s downtown core. Today’s funding announcement will help the Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation create a plan that will help the downtown retail sector service the tourism industry, and better serve residents of Stephenville and the surrounding areas for many years to come.”

John Finn, MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port

“The dynamics of Stephenville have certainly changed over the past 25 years. The Downtown Business Improvement Association recognizes these changes and has undertaken a new strategy to enhance the downtown core and to reflect the current and future demands and dynamics of our population. We are very pleased to have the support of three levels of government in assisting us with this modernization of our downtown.”

Bob Byrnes, Chair, Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation

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

Bob Byrnes
Chair
Downtown Stephenville Business Improvement Association Corporation
709-649-7334
byrnesshoes@nf.aibn.com