Over $584,000 invested in community organizations on the Great Northern Peninsula
July 29, 2024 · St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Governments of Canada is a destination of choice, attracting visitors from around the world. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador continue to invest in rural communities, helping them realize their economic potential while creating new tourism opportunities and meaningful employment for residents and visitors alike.
Opportunities for tourism and economic growth
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced total investments of $379,089 from the Government of Canada for three community-based projects in St. Anthony. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology (IET), also announced a contribution of $205,472 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
These investments will help renovate and expand a multi-use trail, improve capabilities for yielding fresh, locally grown produce in the region and develop visitor capacity at the St. Anthony Marina.
For further details regarding these projects, please see the backgrounder.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to strengthening rural communities by enticing residents and visitors to stay longer and expanding the region’s tourism ecosystem.
Quotes
“St. Anthony is the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula and the heart of the area. The investments announced today are making sure the folks who live in these areas have the tools and opportunities they need to be healthy and thrive—from trails, to healthy food, to tourism access.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“From increasing the availability of locally grown produce to boosting the recreational opportunities for locals and visitors, my Department is pleased to provide this funding for these three unique projects, which will help further diversify the economy of the St. Anthony region. Our Government is committed to assisting rural regions like the Great Northern Peninsula as they build communities that are great places to live, work and play.”
– The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. sees a major gap in the way people in our region gain access to fresh food. SABRI will begin harvesting fresh, leafy greens, lettuce, and herbs in St. Anthony this Fall, and will continue with a consistent, year-round supply using our Growcer Hydroponic Unit. We thank the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for their financial contributions, as well as the College of the North Atlantic and the Town of St. Anthony for partnering with us to help advance this project. We look forward to growing our region’s future in food security as we commercialize SABRI Farms!”
– Wayne Noel, Chairperson, SABRI
“The Great Northern Trail Association has grown from a small group of outdoor enthusiasts to an organization deeply proud of its hometown trails and committed to developing a premier hiking destination at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. The trail build began as a volunteer initiative, driven by our passion to showcase the natural beauty of our region. With funding from ACOA and the Provincial Government, we will not only be able to complete the Catreau Point Trail in St. Anthony, but also enhance our capacity to develop additional sustainable trails. Completion of this trail will support tourism and the local economy as adventurers from near and far come to explore our beautifully rugged coastline by boot or bike. This progress is a testament to the unwavering support from our community and dedicated members, without whom none of this would be possible.”
– Ryan Patey, President, Great Northern Trail Association
“The St. Anthony Port Authority, its community partners, Port, SABRI, RSDI, ACOA and Province came together to finance and construct a small boat floating dock marina for the port of St. Anthony. The 30 floating docks when completed will cater to recreational boat users, tourists, and flotillas. The boating industry experiencing substantial growth and recreational vessel traffic is seeking ports that are strategically located around the province to enable them to participate in boating in a safe manner. St. Anthony Harbour is strategically located and provides a haven and last stop before boater’s venture into the Labrador waters. We are confident that these strategic investments will create new economic activity around our waterfront.”
Quick facts
- ACOA’s investments were delivered through the following two programs:o The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) helps communities to find opportunities for growth, leading to long-term employment and a stronger local economy.o The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s investments were delivered through the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.
