June 14, 2017
Federal and provincial government contribute more than $770,000 towards Happy Valley-Goose Bay initiatives
June 13, 2017 – Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
With support from the federal and provincial government, organizations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are advancing business and tourism development in the region. Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. will continue its work to transform Birch Island into an eco-tourism site and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce will host Expo Labrador 2017 this week.
During an address to Expo Labrador 2017 delegates today, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced investments of $438,980 for Healthy Waters Labrador Inc., as well as $15,000 for the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced a contribution of $317,000 from the provincial government for the Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. project.
Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to the stewardship of the lakes, rivers and wetlands that make up the watersheds in central Labrador. These investments will enable the organization, in partnership with the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, to undertake phase two of restoring the stream and wetland habitat on Birch Island to a near-natural state for habitat and waterfowl protection, interpretation and promotion of the region’s history. Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. will also install new boardwalks, viewing decks, footbridges, an outdoor classroom facility and habitat enhancements to make the site a welcoming attraction for both residents and visitors.
The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce is marketing and hosting Expo Labrador 2017, an event focused on fostering partnerships and innovation in resource development, tourism, culture and transportation in the region. The theme of this year’s event, which is taking place from June 12-15, 2017, is Connect. Collaborate. Innovate.
“Our Government recognizes the importance of tourism and business development for Canada’s economy and is working with communities to help grow industries with strong potential, such as tourism. Through investments in community-based projects, we are working with partners such as Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce to support a vibrant and growing business community in Central Labrador.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Tourism supports a significant number of jobs in communities across Canada and the Government of Canada is committed to promoting increased tourism and business development in this region. These investments will help restore and reinvigorate the natural landscape of Birch Island as an eco-tourism attraction and also support networking and partnership opportunities in Central Labrador.”
Yvonne Jones, , Member of Parliament, Labrador“Today’s investment of over $317,000 will assist Healthy Waters Labrador Inc. in its efforts to rehabilitate Birch Island and provide further opportunities for tourism development. As guided by The Way Forward, our government will continue to improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador. We are committed to fostering a climate that is conducive to economic diversification, community development, and the empowerment of tourism and other industry sectors.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation“Establishing Birch Island as a conservation area will provide significant value for residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and for visitors. I am pleased to see this initiative expand through strong intergovernmental cooperation at the federal, provincial, municipal, and community levels.”
Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Service NL, and MHA for Lake Melville
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
[email protected]
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
[email protected]
Marina Biasutti-Brown
Executive Director
Healthy Waters Labrador Inc.
709-899-4410
[email protected]
Brian Fowlow
Chief Executive Officer
Labrador North Chamber of Commerce
709-896-8787
[email protected]
