Town of Holyrood: New Waterfront Development

The Town of Holyrood is strengthening community infrastructure by developing its waterfront area to support the region’s growing tourism sector and create new economic opportunities. Significant improvements are being made to the aesthetics, utility, and functionality of the boardwalk and festival grounds through the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador which is investing $77,408, and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, which is providing a non-repayable contribution of $112,511.

“Our government is supportive of the Town of Holyrood for its proactive approach to economic development in multiple sectors, including making it a priority to develop the region’s assets. These enhancements will increase access and usage that could assist with expanded programming and improved visitor experience in the region,” said Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.

This initiative will increase tourism and economic development opportunities for the Town of Holyrood and its surrounding area and will improve amenities for residents and visitors to the region.

Pam Parsons, Parliamentary Secretary for Transportation and Works and MHA for the district of Harbour Grace-Port de Grave, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, and Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, made the announcement today.

These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.

“The Town Council of Holyrood is committed to providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The Main Beach Boardwalk is an iconic feature of our town which allows residents and visitors to be up-close with nature. The announcement of funding by both the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation is welcome news. It will enable us to enhance the waterfront area and provide residents and visitors with quality recreational infrastructure. These improvements will assist us in promoting Holyrood as a tourism destination creating meaningful economic activity in Holyrood,” said Gary Goobie, Mayor, Town of Holyrood.

The tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador generates over $1.1 billion in visitor spending each year, and is responsible for over 20,000 jobs, representing 2,600 businesses. As committed in The Way Forward, the Provincial Government is aiming to double resident and non-resident visitor spending to $1.6 billion by 2020. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.