ROCKY HARBOUR For its part of the proposed deficit reduction in the 2012 federal budget, two local attractions will see some changes in operating times in Gros Morne National Park.
The Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse's season will resume being open from Victoria Day weekend in May until Thanksgiving weekend in October. But for the months of May and October, it will only be open for five days per week, with its hours remaining from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for the entire season.
The Broom Point Fishing Exhibit's season will now run from June 1 until the third week of September, which park staff say represents a three-week reduction in services. There will be no changes in the hours or days of operation.
The changes come in light of cuts in this year's federal budget, brought down two months ago. Parks Canada has been reportedly one of the federal departments that have been asked to reduce costs across the country. The cost-cutting measures will be in place indefinitely.
Gros Morne spokesperson Jane Brewer said the park will continue to offer visitors the best service it can.
"Our visitor services will remain of the highest quality during the highest part of the season," she said.
The changes come just after a year when Gros Morne National Park saw approximately 183,000 visitors, representing an increase of about eight per cent over a five-year average.
The study showed that the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse increased its visitation by five per cent to just fewer than 17,000 visitors in 2010.
David, I agree and have decided that I will not be visiting and supporting this park by visiting this year. I was planning on having the extended family fly in this year to see the beauty of NL, but frankly, I have changed my mind because I don't want my money supporting decisions and people I do not agree with. SO, we will be flying to Toronto and then Alberta instead, and spend our money there. That way, the money will not be used on the many NL projects/initiatives that I disagree with. It is Canada Day, so I should note that I have happy to have the freedom to decide where to spend my money.