The provincial government has provided $118,000 to help the town of Deer Lake begin its multi-phase tourism and recreation plan.

The long-term development plan capitalizes on the region’s natural assets to improve recreational opportunities in an effort to attract outdoor enthusiasts to the area.

Scheduled to begin in spring 2010, the initial phase will include trail development and beautification along the banks of the Upper Humber River and Humber River Golf Club, complemented by the nature-viewing interpretative materials for trail use and signage.

The development is highly-anticipated by the area’s organizations seeking to have their facilities linked by the trail, improving their ability to attract tourists.

“Our local attractions and easy access to the picturesque Humber Valley make Deer Lake the ideal vacation staging point,” said Maxine Hayden, manager with th town of Deer Lake. “I am confident our local businesses and tourism operators will benefit from this project as it will become an effective tool for attracting potential consumers to the area.”