Lewisporte (NL) – September 15, 2010 – The Town of Lewisporte will implement the first phase of its downtown redevelopment plan with the support of more than $263,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Senator Ethel Cochrane made the announcement today in Lewisporte on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
“Our government’s investment in the Lewisporte redevelopment project will help the community revitalize its downtown core by introducing important streetscape improvements,” said Senator Cochrane. “A diverse and dynamic physical environment will complement the community’s work to attract new businesses and appeal to a growing tourism trade in Atlantic Canada.
The first phase of the redevelopment plan will include paving, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, entry features, benches, plants, lighting and other streetscape improvements. The objective is to create a "pedestrian friendly" downtown district that complements the developing marina complex, and encourages the development of interesting shops, restaurants and entertainment to draw recreational boaters, tourists and local residents to the area.
The Town of Lewisporte and the Lewisporte Chamber of Commerce, through the Lewisporte Economic Development Committee (LEDC), are committed to the development of Lewisporte and surrounding area.
“We see the redevelopment of our downtown area as critical to future marina and business development,” said Lewisporte Mayor Brian Peckford. “Lewisporte has a very active yacht club with more than 300 members and 170 berths at the facility. The implementation of this first phase of our downtown redevelopment plan will draw more pleasure boaters to the area to take advantage of increased services, shops and restaurants in the community.”
Mayor Peckford said the project will be an effective means to enhance the appearance of the downtown area and boost business development and tourism visitation.
The federal investment for the Lewisporte downtown redevelopment project is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada will assist the Town of Lewisporte to implement the first phase of its downtown redevelopment plan with an investment provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Senator Ethel Cochrane was in Lewisporte today to announce federal support of more than $263,000 for the project. The first phase will include paving, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, entry features, benches, plants, lighting and other streetscape improvements. The objective is to create a "pedestrian friendly" downtown district that complements the developing marina complex, and encourages the development of interesting shops, restaurants and entertainment to draw recreational boaters, tourists and local residents to the area.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA
709-772-2935
Perry Pond
Town Manager
Town of Lewisporte
709- 535-2737
