15 February 2011
Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Airport Nordic Ski Club in Gander will make further upgrades to its facilities in response to the club's tremendous growth in membership. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced ACOA's investment in the project today.
"Our Government recognizes that investing in improved recreational facilities such as the Airport Nordic Ski Club supports local economic development," said Minister Ashfield. "These valuable renovations to the club's ski hut will help enhance the experience of local clients and visitors and adds to the strength of the tourism offering in Gander and throughout the Central region "
Two years ago the ski club made significant improvements to its 16-kilometre trail system with assistance from ACOA. The improvements helped stimulate a significant increase in trail use that has created a need for additional developments, including the expansion of the club's ski hut.
"We saw the membership of the club more than double in 2010 to280 skiers up from 137 members in 2006-07 following the upgrades that were completed in 2008," said Nick Soper, president of the Airport Nordic Ski Club. "And we have also seen benefits to the local economy as the enhancements to the ski club have generated increased revenues for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those servicing the tourism industry in the area."
The improvements involve the expansion of the existing ski hut and the construction of a new concrete vault outdoor toilet system along the trail. The project complements the extensive improvements undertaken by the club in 2007 that involved the installation of trail lighting to allow night skiing, the purchase of a new trail groomer as well as upgrades to the trail system. The upgrades enabled the club to provide multi-season activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Mr. Soper added that the improvements will give the club the required capacity to play host to provincial competitions and training events, bringing further benefits to the local economy. The Airport Nordic Ski Club is located on the western end of Gander just off the Trans Canada Highway. The club's trail system boasts eight groomed trails covering 16 kilometres. The Government of Canada is assisting the Club with an investment of $58,869 through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. The Fund focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Airport Nordic Ski Club will make further improvements to its cross country ski facilities near Gander with the help of a Government of Canada investment.
The funding, through ACOA, will help the club upgrade and expand its ski hut to enhance the cross-country skiing experience and to create the required capacity to host provincial competitions and training events, bringing further benefits to the local economy.
This project follows a government investment from two years ago that saw the ski club install trail lighting for night skiing, and other improvements that is being credited for a significant increase in club membership.
The funding of just under $59,000 from ACOA was announced today by ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield.
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Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Jack Waye
Project Director
Airport Nordic Ski Club
709-256-2080
