12 October 2010
Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
RED BAY, (NL) – October 12, 2010 – 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 $222,086 to improve facilities and develop infrastructure to meet the needs associated with increased cruise ship activity benefiting the Town of Red Bay and the surrounding region.
“Our government’s investment through ACOA provides long- term benefits to the residents of the Red Bay area, by helping the community enhance and capitalize on its growing relationship with the cruise ship industry,” said Minister Ashfield. “By undertaking important improvements to the cruise docking site in Red Bay, the community has the opportunity to increase employment and business growth associated with the cruise industry.”
In Phase II of its Infrastructure Improvement Initiative, the Town of Red Bay plans to further enhance its docking capabilities by stabilizing the wharf, upgrading the visitor centre, installing a Biogreen sewer system and upgrading the public washroom facilities.
“We are proud of our town and are thrilled to be a regular port of call for small cruise vessels which bring visitors to our community and help stimulate our economy,” said Wade Earle, Mayor of Red Bay. “This investment will help us address necessary improvements so we can further market the Red Bay area as a prime destination for cruise ship visits.”
The Town of Red Bay is a site of archaeological significance due to its 16th century Basque whaling stations, and its designation as a National Historic Site with global importance. The Red Bay site has also been nominated as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 today announced an investment of $222,086 to improve facilities and develop infrastructure in support of increased cruise ship activity benefiting the Town of Red Bay and area.
The funds will be used to further enhance Red Bay’s docking capabilities by stabilizing the wharf, upgrading the visitor centre, installing a Biogreen sewer system and upgrading the public washroom facilities.
Red Bay is a regular port of call for small cruise ships and is a National Historic Site with a Basque whaling station that dates back to the 16th century. It has recently been nominated as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Information:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Elizabeth Yetman
Town Clerk,
Town of Red Bay
709-920-2197
