OREANDA-NEWS. September 13, 2016. Investments announced by the federal and provincial governments during an event in St. Anthony on September 10, 2016 will help boost tourism on the Northern Peninsula. Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, announced combined funding of more than \\$350,000 for St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI) for two projects in the region.

The Government of Canada contributed \\$38,611 to SABRI through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for upgrades to the snowmobile trail network on the Northern Peninsula. The provincial government provided \\$46,612 through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development. The project, which was recently completed, included upgrading the decking and ramps of 12 bridges and renovating a warm-up shelter.  

The Government of Canada also recently approved funding of \\$164,757 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to expand and improve the hiking trail network on the Northern Peninsula, known as the Iceberg Trail. The provincial government is also contributing \\$102,975 from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development towards the initiative. The project involves upgrading seven trails from L’Anse aux Meadows to St. Lunaire-Griquet and will include widening and upgrading of existing areas and construction of new sections of the network, as well as the development of signage along the trails. The enhanced trail infrastructure will further develop the region’s tourism products and complement existing tourism operations. 

CIP 150 is providing up to \\$300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA. 

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to making strategic investments in tourism infrastructure and upgrading recreational facilities that help strengthen local economies throughout the region.  We are pleased to be working in partnership with non-profit organizations such as SABRI to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity.”

-        The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA 

“These projects will enhance the amazing tourism experience the Northern Peninsula has to offer with its spectacular scenery, exciting wildlife and excellent facilities such as the snowmobile and Iceberg Trail networks. Infrastructure improvements to these key tourism assets will benefit area residents and attract more out of province visitors, which will benefit local businesses and strengthen the region’s tourism sector.” 

-        Gudie Hutchings, MP for Long Range Mountains 

“The beautiful Great Northern Peninsula has so much to offer and I am pleased to support SABRI as they work to make the tourism experience in the region even better. Snowmobiling is a key activity for the province’s winter season as visitors come to ride our world-class trails. Also, hiking and walking have been identified in the past as a top reason why tourists visit the province and the creation of the Iceberg Trail will ensure they get to see some of the best natural landscapes and scenery in the world. Initiatives such as these go a long way towards ensuring the region is a year-round tourist destination.” 

-     The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development