Governments support safe and reliable four-season tourism experience in western Newfoundland
News release
Investments will improve trails, signage and overall visitor experience
August 16, 2024 · Robinsons, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Expanding the tourism season in western Newfoundland creates more year-round opportunities to grow the economy and boost the region’s visitor potential. The Government of Canada is helping two not-for-profit organizations develop the region’s tourism product.
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced non-repayable contributions totalling $466,628 for the Newfoundland T’Railway Council and Tourism Southwest Inc. Together, they strengthen infrastructure along 120 kilometres of the T’Railway from Corner Brook to Port aux Basques. Projects include ditching and culverts to help protect the T’Railway’s western section from the impacts of extreme climate events, as well as new signage, and widening trails to allow for better shared-use access.
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology (IET), also announced a contribution of $176,133 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador from the Regional Development Fund. Trans Canada Trail is also contributing $60,000 to the project.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to building up Atlantic Canada’s tourism ecosystem so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy, discover, explore and benefit from the region’s many offerings and attractions all year round.
Quotes
“Western Newfoundland is an outdoor lover’s dream with biking, snowmobiling, ATVing and more. Your federal government is making sure the trails are as world class as our landscapes, which is good news for all the businesses and tourists that flock here every year.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Newfoundland T’Railway Council has been a great steward of this important piece of infrastructure. Maintaining and improving the T’Railway has economic spinoffs for so many businesses and communities across the province. The T’Railway, working in partnership with Tourism Southwest, will bring much needed improvements to this important tourism product, helping trail users on the west coast see a marked improvement once these upgrades are made.”
- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“The T’Railway is a significant recreational asset, benefiting residents, visitors, tourism operators, and local businesses. The planned upgrades will address crucial aspects, such as restoring sight lines, improving accessibility, and bolstering water management systems. In particular, the Port aux Basques section – serving as a vital gateway for increased traffic from other provinces – will undergo significant improvements to remain resilient against the impacts of climate change. The T’Railway is truly a gem for everyone in the province. We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy it, and with these upgrades, we're ensuring that enjoyment for years to come.”
- Rick Noseworthy, President, Newfoundland T’Railway Council
“The Newfoundland T’Railway is a vital part of Canada’s nationwide trail system and we are thrilled to join with the federal and provincial governments to support its continued development. The T’Railway is a perfect example of the impact that trails and outdoor-experience opportunities can have on communities. It is already a popular tourist destination that delivers significant economic benefits for the province and enhancing the year-round experiences along this beautiful trail will only expand its impact.”
- Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Canada Trail
“Tourism Southwest welcomes the funding from ACOA and IET to upgrade the T'Railway Route in Southwestern Newfoundland. The project is a great collaboration between federal and provincial governments as well as the T'Railway Council and parks to continue upgrading the T’Railway route to ensure safety and maximizing the economic benefits of ATV tourism in the region. ATV tourism is steadily growing in southwestern Newfoundland and these new trail upgrades and signage will improve the ATV riding experience in the region for both tourists and residents.”
- Ruth Forsey-Gale, Chair, Tourism Southwest Inc.
Quick facts
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The Newfoundland T'Railway Council is a not-for-profit organization that oversees a continuous shared-use trail that spans 833 kms from St. John’s to Port aux Basques, as well as 132 former railway trestles. The Council is an official partner of Trans Canada Trail.
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Tourism Southwest Inc. is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that works to develop the tourism sector in southwest coast of NL and promote business in the region.
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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing $296,557 for the Newfoundland T’Railway Council Inc., and $170,071 for Tourism Southwest Inc.
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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) contributions announced today are through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which supports community initiatives that develop thriving industry sectors like tourism, enhance rural infrastructure and strengthen local economies.
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The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $115,000 for the Newfoundland T'Railway Council and $61,133 for Tourism Southwest Inc.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
(Acting) Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-743-5835
Brodie Thomas
Media Relations Manager
Department of Industry, Energy and Innovation
709-729-5248
Rick Noseworthy
President
Newfoundland T’Railway Council
709-725-5248
Justin Fauteux
Manager, Media and Public Relations
Trans Canada Trail
1-800-465-3636 Ext. 4393
Ruth Forsey-Gale
Chair
Tourism Southwest Inc.
709-649-0601
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