Supporting Tourism Growth on the Port de Grave Peninsula
News release
Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society project will help improve visitor experience
December 10, 2018 – Port de Grave, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
In 2017, Canadians welcomed a record of 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is vibrant from coast to coast to coast, as one in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Supporting tourism in both big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada is essential to growing this important economic sector for Canadians.
That is why the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are helping the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society to strengthen the area’s tourism sector and create new economic opportunities.
The society will engage a consultant to work with local businesses and community stakeholders to identify capacity building initiatives and ways to further develop the region’s tourism experiences with a focus on existing strengths. Through this initiative, improvements will also be made to the Green Point Lighthouse, which was designated a federal heritage building earlier this year.
Today, 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) announced a $94,020 non-repayable contribution from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund for the project. Pam Parsons, MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), announced a provincial investment of $35,647 from the Regional Development Program. In addition, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans invested $18,000 on site improvements and Parks Canada is investing $4,000 towards the project.
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 approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“Tourism is an important economic driver in Atlantic Canada, which is why growing tourism is a key priority of the Atlantic Growth Strategy. By making smart investments in tourism initiatives like this one with the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society, we are helping to bring more visitors to the region, generate new economic opportunities and build strong, vibrant communities.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with organizations like the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society to boost tourism and diversify our communities. The unique culture and history of the Port de Grave Peninsula and the welcoming people who live in this area make it a wonderful tourist destination. This project will further develop and enhance the area’s tourism offerings, which will attract more visitors who will benefit from first class tourism products and experiences.”
- Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon
“Today’s announcement in Port de Grave will help to develop tourism opportunities in the area and enhance the visitor experience for the entire region. Through The Way Forward, our government continues to strengthen our tourism product throughout the province, focusing on ways to build communities and enhance economic growth.”- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“I am extremely pleased to see our government, in collaboration with the federal government, support the Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society. There is a bright future for the people of Harbour Grace – Port de Grave, as we are focused on identifying all potential opportunities for growth. This funding is a testament to the continuation of our commitment to strengthen the tourism industry, preserve heritage, and innovative economic prospects in my beautiful district of Harbour Grace – Port de Grave.”- Pam Parsons, MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave
“These investments from the federal and provincial governments will support the Port de Grave Heritage Society in activating its vision to grow the local economy by sharing the peninsula’s living history, cultural heritage and natural landscape through unique and sustainable visitor experiences. It will also help with visitor access to Green Point Heritage Light House and enhancements associated with its harbour and lifestyle that drive small business growth and employment.”- Roland Andrews, President, Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director of 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
Erin Sulley
Government Members Office
709-729-5036
erinsulley@gov.nl.ca
Roland Andrews
President
Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society
709-683-2635
rolandcandrews@gmail.com
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