The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of more than $94,000 through ACOA to assist the Town of Gander to enhance the Gander Community Centre.
“Our government’s investment in the Gander Community Centre will benefit the town’s ability to attract more and larger conventions and special events,” said Minister Ashfield. “This market has become a significant contributor to the economy of the Gander area and represents a real opportunity for continued growth.”
Through this project, the Town of Gander will upgrade the existing community centre to improve and expand its capability to host conferences, as well as community and tourism events. The project involves the purchase of equipment including event decking, audio-visual equipment, portable flooring and a portable stage to help the centre better serve its mandate as a year-round multi-purpose facility.
“Gander is a prime location for conferences, conventions and other special events,” said Gander Mayor Claude Elliott. “These improvements will help us bring in even larger groups, creating direct and spin-off economic benefits for the area.” The Town of Gander is investing just over $51,000 in the project.
Centrally located in Newfoundland with a hotel capacity of 500 rooms, Gander has become a popular location for hosting regional, provincial and national conferences, as the facilities can support groups of up to 2,000 delegates. The improvements to the Gander Community Centre, combined with the support of the local hotel industry, will see increased potential for more national and province-wide events in the town, including conferences, trade shows, and sporting events.
The Government of Canada investment is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield was in Gander today to announce an investment of more than $94,000 to assist the Town of Gander in expanding the Gander Community Centre. The Town of Gander is investing over $51,000 in the project.
The Town will upgrade the community centre to improve and expand its capability to host conferences, as well as community and tourism events. The project involves the purchase of equipment such as event decking, audio-visual equipment, portable flooring and a portable stage. The Gander community centre is a year-round multi-purpose facility capable of hosting conventions, conferences, trade shows, business and tourism events and concerts.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director,
Public Affairs Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Mayor Claude Elliott
Mayor of Gander
709-651-2930
