Enhancing Burin Peninsula Tourism Infrastructure to Attract Visitors and Improve Gathering Areas
News release
Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador invest more than $1 million for projects in Grand Bank and Marystown
May 14, 2018 – Marystown, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Making smart investments in Atlantic Canada’s communities to help them develop their tourism assets will bring more visitors to our shores and create good middle-class jobs. Today, the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing more than $1 million to enhance tourism infrastructure and improve visitor experience in the towns of Grand Bank and Marystown.
Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, 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 total investment of $867,525 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) for two projects, including one with the Town of Grand Bank and one with St. Gabriel’s Hall Inc. in Marystown. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) announced a total of $310,012 in provincial funding for the two projects.
The Town of Grand Bank is receiving $647,209 from ACOA and $227,775 from TCII to implement Phase I of its Downtown/Waterfront Redevelopment Plan to better position the town as a tourism destination. St. Gabriel’s Hall Inc. will use $220,316 from ACOA and $82,237 from TCII to enhance the interior of St. Gabriel’s Hall and increase its capacity to host more culture events for residents and visitors.
These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
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Quotes
“By 2021, our goals are to grow international visitors to Atlantic Canada from 1.2 to 1.6 million per year, create 6,000 new jobs, and 200 new tourism businesses. These projects in Grand Bank and Marystown enhance the tourism capacity of both communities and offer new business opportunities throughout the Burin Peninsula.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Tourism is an important industry that offers a tremendous economic opportunity for further economic growth in Atlantic Canada. Revitalizing Grand Bank’s downtown and waterfront areas can create memorable tourist experiences that will increase the likelihood of extended stays and repeat visits. Enhancing St. Gabriel’s Hall, which is an important regional cultural outreach venue, will benefit all residents on the Burin Peninsula and add value to our mix of tourism offerings.”
- Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“Tourism has become a pillar in our province’s economy – growing to support over 2,600 businesses and nearly 20,000 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Guided by our Tourism Product Development Plan, through strategic investments we will continue to increase the number of high quality, Newfoundland and Labrador tourism experiences to attract more visitors - to encourage them to stay longer and experience more.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Grand Bank has a rich culture and storied history, much of it tied to the fishery. Thanks to the vision of Town officials and a committed group of volunteers, the downtown area will once again reflect that history and culture, while still embracing the modern world in which we live. The funding announced today will help tremendously with making this vision a reality. I am sure that, upon completion, the revitalized downtown area will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”
- Carol Anne Haley, Member of the House of Assembly for Burin-Grand Bank
“St. Gabriel’s Hall has been a hub of cultural and community activity on the Burin Peninsula for many years. Residents of Marystown have long recognized its value. The funding announced today will complete work to enhance the interior of the historic landmark and make it a more versatile space to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for many years to come.”
- Mark Browne, Member of the House of Assembly for Placentia West-Bellevue
“The Town of Grand Bank is extremely pleased that the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have provided funding for the re-development of the downtown and waterfront areas. This restoration project will protect the rich heritage of the Community, enhance economic opportunities, strengthen community pride, and bring residents and tourists together in a beautiful, environmentally friendly area.”
- Rex Matthews, Mayor of Town of Grand Bank
“The assistance provided by ACOA and TCII has allowed St. Gabriel’s Hall to provide the utmost in heating and air conditioning to patrons enjoying one of the many events taking place at the hall. It is truly a premier venue for arts and entertainment on the Burin Peninsula”
- John Baker, Chair of St. Gabriel’s Hall Inc.
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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, 709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Rex Matthews
Mayor
Town of Grand Bank
709-832-1600
mayor@townofgrandbank.net
John Baker
Chair
St. Gabriel’s Hall Inc.
709-279-4255
stgabrielshall@eastlink.ca
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