Modern community infrastructure and high quality tourism products help attract new visitors to our shores, boost local economies and create good jobs for middle class families in big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada. That is why the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation is improving its trail grooming system and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation is boosting Deer Lake’s tourism offerings.

“The Government of Canada understands that strategic investments in key industries like tourism help stimulate economic growth, create good paying middle class jobs and build diversified, dynamic communities. We are pleased to support these two initiatives announced today, which will have a positive impact on Deer Lake’s growing tourism sector and support winter tourism activities in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history, cultural attractions, adventurous outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery draw visitors from around the world. There’s something for everyone – no matter the season. Our investments in the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation will further develop and modernize our province’s snowmobile trails and foster new winter tourism opportunities, as well as upgrade Deer Lake’s tourism infrastructure, which will attract more visitors year-round and generate economic growth.”

- Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“Our support for the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation and the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation aims to bring more visitors to Deer Lake, and the entire province, while ensuring ongoing development of opportunities in the tourism industry. Supporting tourism product development and enhancing experiences for the winter and shoulder seasons is part of our government’s continued focus on promoting economic growth and diversification.”

- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador 

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary and we have experienced excellent stability and growth over the last few years. This season our trail pass sales have been the highest we have ever experienced. The product we are providing to our trail pass holders has been improving every year. Additionally, we are becoming a key component of the Newfoundland and Labrador winter tourism product. Snowmobiling is adding a great deal to our provincial economy, especially in rural areas. We would like to thank ACOA and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for the support and the confidence they have shown us in providing this funding, which will help to ensure our continued stability and growth.”

- Bob Blundon, Chairperson, Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation

“The Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation is extremely grateful to our MP, Gudie Hutchings, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for their continuing commitment to the community of Deer Lake. We would also like to thank the provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation for their contribution towards our Tourism Master Plan. The funding being announced today will allow the Town of Deer Lake to enhance its tourism offerings, especially on our trail system and beach area. These initiatives will help justify the many accolades we have received for our work in enhancing tourism in our Town, which was recently named one of the 19 best places to visit in 2019 by Expedia.”

- Sheila Mercer, Chairperson, Deer Lake Tourism Development Association

• The Government of Canada is investing $432,143 in the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is also contributing $432,143 towards this project.

• The Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation is a provincial governing body of 17 active volunteer snowmobile clubs on the island portion of the province. Its mandate is to provide leadership and support to member snowmobile clubs in an effort to ensure quality recreational snowmobiling opportunities on a province-wide network of safe, well-developed snowmobile trails.

• The Government of Canada is also investing $148,790 in the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $77,118 towards this project.

• The Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established in 2004 to facilitate tourism development projects in the community. It has evolved into a broad-based organization that focuses on tourism, heritage, environmental stewardship and special events planning.

• The Innovative Communities Fund focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities

• Eligible recipients include non-commercial/not-for-profit organizations such as local development associations, municipalities and their agencies, business or technology institutes, industry/sector associations, economic development associations, local co-operatives, universities and educational institutions.

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca 

Tony Sheppard
General Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation
709-635-4395, Ext 223
generalmanager@nlsf.org

Damon Clarke
Economic Development Officer/Town Planner
Town of Deer Lake
709-635-0165
deerlakeedo@nf.aibn.com