14 July 2009
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador
The towns of Fogo and Musgrave Harbour will be bustling with activity, thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Town of Fogo is developing an “Experience Fogo” tourism site, while enhancements to the recreational facilities in Musgrave Harbour will provide more programs for the town.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced an investment of $191,770 for the Town of Fogo through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) and $11,902 for the Town of Musgrave Harbour through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program.
“The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is pleased to support rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Ashfield. “These two projects will create immediate jobs and contribute to the long-term health and quality of life in both communities. Whether increasing tourism initiatives in Fogo or physical activities in Musgrave Harbour, we are expanding the opportunities for our future.”
The “Experience Fogo” site will focus on arts, music, food/cuisine and culture-based experiences. Activities will include net making, fish drying, subsistence farming and tool making. The package will be offered along with traditional foods to participants.
“The Town of Fogo has taken advantage of its strengths and the opportunities available in the region to enhance our tourism capacity,” said Andrew Shea, Mayor, Town of Fogo. “This project ties in with the Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation’s strategic plan, as heritage and tourism have been identified as major contributors to the economic development of the region.”
The Town of Musgrave Harbour is enhancing its recreational facilities. The improved facilities will promote healthy lifestyles and choices for the youth and residents.
“Our children will learn the importance of physical fitness and the importance of working as a team,” said Musgrave Harbour Mayor, Raymond Stokes. “This new recreational facility will create a better area for soccer, volleyball and other fitness programs for our residents.”
Over the next two years, CAF will deliver a total of $100.4 million to local economies throughout Atlantic Canada, as a major job creating initiative. The initial allocation under RInC for Atlantic Canada is $12 million to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities.
The RInC and CAF programs are key economic stimulus initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plant. The programs are delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA.
Projects to be funded under CAF could include reforestation activities, investments in machinery or equipment, demonstration of new mining technologies, initiatives to improve market access for products and other local economic diversification activities.
Under RInC, the Government of Canada typically funds up to 33 per cent of eligible costs, with the remaining funding provided by provincial, territorial, municipal and other partners. The federal contribution to any project receiving funding under the program is not to exceed $1 million. Projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011.
For more information regarding the CAF and RInC application process, please consult ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is providing economic stimulus to towns in central Newfoundland and Labrador. Under the Community Adjustment Fund, the Town of Fogo will receive $191,770 to increase its tourism products, while the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program will provide $11,902 for the Town of Musgrave Harbour to enhance its recreation facilities. These funds are part of the federal government’s Economic Action Plan to help counter the effects of the global recession.
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield today announced the investments saying these initiatives will create jobs and secure a brighter future for the communities. The total CAF and RInC allocations for Atlantic Canada equal more than $112 million and are being delivered in the region by ACOA.
Interested applicants are asked to contact their nearest ACOA office. Projects must be completed before March 31, 2011.
Erin Filliter
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
