Plans are continuing with a five-year economic development plan for Stephenville, according to Coun. Don Gibbon, council’s representative on the town’s economic development committee.

In a report to council, Gibbon said the group met last week to discuss tourism strategy and had representatives from around the region in attendance.

Various needs and opportunities were discussed at great length. Needs for the area include transportation at all levels, continued use of Stephenville airport as a major part of attracting tourists to the Bay St. George and southwest coast region, roads that need to be upgraded, a tourist information centre, and signage in English and French. The meeting also looked at the need for more accommodations at hotel and bed and breakfast outlets and car rental availability in the area.

Gibbon said people at the meeting felt it was important to tap into the provincial government’s $12 million advertising package to make sure the area is properly promoted as a tourist destination.

“It was also felt Stephenville should be the location of the provincial government’s second tourism department on the west coast,” he said.

Opportunities identified include the petrified forest and the need to expand on it and making it more visible with proper signage and billboards explaining the tree fossil beds, as well as installing a concrete form around a section where people can actually see it.

“In addition to the petrified forest highlighting the local tourism industry, other ideas for attracting tourists could include the history of the U.S. military in the town, as well as the rich culture of the area, hiking boat tours and capitalizing on the Stephenville Theatre Festival,” Gibbon said.

He said Harmon Seaside Links and Indian Head Park could also be strong points for tourism. The Lewis Hills and the fact it is the highest summit in Newfoundland is something else that needs to be built on as a tourist destination.
The group also feels there is a need for an events co-ordinator.

Gibbon said at a previous meeting of the group they discussed post-secondary education at great length and had a session on agriculture. Their next session on Nov. 5 will focus on manufacturing and processing strategy.

“On Saturday, Nov. 21 there will be a presentation of the draft report and priority session, then on Thursday, Dec. 3 we will have the presentation of the final report,” said Gibbon. “Council as a whole will be presented with the final documents to determine the priorities to be outlined in the plan, once council adopts it,” he said.