Through the Regional Economic Development Fund, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $316,000 to support four projects on the Great Northern Peninsula.
The projects approved for funding include:
- Great Northern Trail Association – $118,230
- Norstead Village Incorporated – $54,583
- St. Anthony Basin Resources Incorporated – $126,431
- Viking Trail Tourism Association – $17,000
Information related to the projects can be found in the backgrounder below.
The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology supports economic development, innovation and capacity building in all regions of the province.
The Regional Development Program provides support by way of non-repayable contributions to organizations for the development and implementation of economic initiatives with respect to regional and sectoral development, diversification, innovation, and key emerging sectors.
Projects submitted for consideration must clearly link non-commercial activities to economic diversification and/or business development. The four key themes of projects intended for funding are infrastructure, capacity building, marketing and research.
Quotes
“Our government works closely with organizations and is happy to support the strengthening of our entrepreneurial capacity in strategic areas and help advance economic development initiatives, such as these on the Great Northern Peninsula. We aim to help communities and regions grow by supporting efforts of organizations making a meaningful impact in the province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“We are thrilled to see this funding allocated to projects that will undoubtedly boost tourism and stimulate economic development on the Great Northern Peninsula. Investments like these are essential in ensuring the continued vitality and prosperity of every corner of our province.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“The funding announced today represents a significant investment in the Great Northern Peninsula, supporting initiatives that enhance our local economy and strengthen our communities. These projects not only create jobs and foster innovation but also preserve our rich heritage and natural resources for future generations. I commend the organizations involved for their commitment to economic development and look forward to seeing the positive impact of their efforts.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education
Member of the House of Assembly for St. Barbe-L’Anse aux Meadows
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Regional Economic Development
Great Northern Trail Association
St. Anthony Basin Resources Incorporated
Viking Trail Tourism Association
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BACKGROUNDER
Below are projects approved to receive funding.
Great Northern Trail Association
The Great Northern Trail Association, a volunteer-based not-for-profit, is receiving $118,230 to develop a coastal trail network that connects several communities This trail network will boost tourism and promote sustainable outdoor recreation. This multi-year initiative will develop a connected network of trails across five key communities: Goose Cove, St. Anthony Bight, St. Carol’s, Great Brehat, and Quirpon. These new trails will complete the Great Northern Trail Network, creating a seamless and sustainable system that enhances outdoor recreation, promotes health and well-being and stimulates economic growth by attracting tourism and supporting local businesses. It will support small businesses and tourism operators throughout the region with the economic benefits extending beyond tourism, contributing to job security, longer seasonal employment and increased revenues.
Norstead Village Incorporated
Norstead Village Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, is receiving $54,583 to improve tourism infrastructure in L’Anse aux Meadows. Created in 2000, Norstead Village plays a vital role in the cultural and economic landscape of the Great Northern Peninsula. Over the years, Norstead has welcomed thousands of visitors, including those from cruise ships docking in L’Anse aux Meadows. The organization plans to install two 30-foot floating docks with an aluminum ramp and will also be hiring a consultant to evaluate bus access for cruise ships, and other necessary upgrades that may be needed to improve the sense of arrival for cruise passengers.
St. Anthony Basin Resources Incorporated
The St. Anthony Basin Resources Incorporated (SABRI), a not-for-profit organization established in 1997, is receiving $126,431 for phase three of the Iceberg Trail project. Phase two, finished in October 2024, completed about 30 kilometres to the 59-kilometre trail. The project has SABRI working with local businesses from L’Anse aux Meadows to St. Lunaire-Griquet to help connect the area’s short walking trails into one world class hiking trail. By connecting and upgrading existing trails, this project will increase the region’s appeal, encourage visitors to stay longer, and boost the local economy and position the region as a must-visit hiking destination. SABRI’s mission is to create economic opportunities, improve employment, and support the rural way of life.
Viking Trail Tourism Association
The Viking Trail Tourism Association is receiving $17,000 to enhance marketing resources to help boost the Viking Trail region and its partners for tourism growth. The association has long been the lead organization in the region that promotes the Viking Trail as an international destination of choice for families, motor coach companies, individual travelers, outdoor adventurists, hunting and fishing enthusiasts, festival lovers and more. This will require market research, new collateral, new website and other marketing activities to boost tourism numbers in the region. The project will support economic and cultural sustainability of Viking Trail region by boosting tourism numbers and support new and existing active outdoor experiences for visitors.