The Government of Canada invests in Gros Morne National Park
News Release
Federal infrastructure funding will improve trails, visitor areas, and roadways
May 1, 2017 Rocky Harbour, NL Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks and historic sites belong to all Canadians. They represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $22 million in Gros Morne National Park. Today, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Small Business, made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.
The investment will be used to upgrade some of Gros Morne National Park’s iconic trails, including the Gros Morne Mountain Trail (James Callaghan Trail), the Lookout Trail, and the Green Gardens Trail. The Berry Head Pond trail, a favorite with residents of the local communities, will also have improvements made for visitors with mobility needs, including accessible rest and viewing areas and a small wharf. Additionally, this new funding will be used to upgrade the facilities at the Parks Canada compound in Rocky Harbour, and continue improvements to road and bridge infrastructure throughout the park – including a new passing lane in the Southeast Hills area.
Investments in visitor infrastructure – such as trails, day use areas and campgrounds, as well as highways, parkways, and bridges – will ensure the quality and reliability of visitor facilities and continue to allow Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to connect with nature. These infrastructure investments are vital to creating middle class jobs and sustained economic growth. Additionally, Parks Canada's destinations form important cornerstones for the tourism industry that is such an important part of our economy and employs so many across the country. The Government of Canada recognises the value of this industry and works with communities nation-wide to help grow tourism and create jobs.
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Quotes
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada is proud to invest in the protection and conservation of Gros Morne National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site and Canadian national treasure enables Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment and heritage. Through infrastructure investments at Parks Canada places, we are creating middle class jobs and sustained economic growth, while ensuring high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences.”
Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Small Business
Quick Facts
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Gros Morne National Park welcomed approximately 240,000 visitors in 2016, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on the basis of its internationally significant geological features and outstanding natural beauty.
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Gros Morne Mountain, the park’s namesake, is the second highest peak on the island of Newfoundland. The trail which traverses the mountain is named after former British Prime Minister James Callaghan in recognition of his conservation efforts. The flat summit is a slice of alpine tundra, far south of its usual range and is the home of a variety of species including the rock ptarmigan, Arctic hare, and woodland caribou.
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Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion dollars over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, tourism, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This investment will ensure these cherished places are protected and secured for the future.
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Contacts
Marie-Pascale Desrosiers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
613-462-5473
marie-pascale.desrosiers@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca