November 15, 2004 Yarmouth, Nova Scotia Work is ongoing in the development of a marketing strategy to attract off-season users from Canada and the United States to the recently-renovated and upgraded accommodation facilities at Camp Wapomeo. The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, MP for West Nova and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, today officially announced support of $25,390 for the project on behalf of the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, through the Agency's Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). "The YMCA has a long and strong tradition of effective management, fiscal responsibility and tremendous community patronage and use. The renovations to Camp Wapomeo have made the most of this treasured local resource, and the next part of the process is to take it to market. A planned, targeted campaign will ensure Camp Wapomeo is fully-utilized as an off-season tourism attraction for our region," said MP Thibault. The project has involved the hiring of a marketing manager and the establishment and implementation of an 18-month marketing plan that is scheduled to be completed in June of 2005. The Yarmouth YMCA has owned and operated Camp Wapomeo continuously since its establishment in 1921 as a summer camp for children. The camp is located on Lake Fanning in Carleton, Yarmouth County. "With recent upgrades to camp facilities, we want to generate increased revenue during the shoulder seasons to support the work of the camp. We're looking at target markets such as family reunions, company retreats and outdoor enthusiasts, and this funding is making that planning work possible," said Barrie MacGregor, Executive Director of the Yarmouth YMCA. SCIF, launched in 2000, is providing $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages and enhances the development of strategic sectors such as tourism. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global economy. The Fund is administrated by ACOA. FOR BROADCAST USE The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, MP, today officially announced ACOA support of $25,390 for ongoing work on a marketing strategy to attract off-season users to Camp Wapomeo. The Yarmouth YMCA, which owns and operates Camp Wapomeo, has hired a marketing manager and is implementing a plan to generate increased revenue during the shoulder seasons to support the work of the camp. - 30 - Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 David Harrigan Media Relations Director ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 221-1435 Barrie MacGregor Executive Director Yarmouth YMCA (902) 742-7181
