Tourism, recreation plan expected to enhance image DEER LAKE KATHERINE HUDSON The Western Star

Tract Consulting president Neil Dawe, right, explains the Multiphase Tourism and Recreation plan for Deer Lake on Tuesday night. — Star photo by Katherine Hudson

The Town of Deer Lake’s full potential flashed on a slideshow presentation as the multiphase tourism and recreation plans were unveiled to member of the public Tuesday evening.

Environmental concerns, expanded heritage development and the fear of vandalism were topics of discussion at the meeting as members of the public voiced their opinions on what they believed the town had to offer.

“Some of the things I don’t see in the plan are the flora and fauna inventories,” said meeting attendee Paul Knotts.

Greg Wood, chairperson of the Deer Lake Tourism Development Corporation said interpretation of flora and fauna is part of the plan’s original intent.

“Along the riverbank walking trail there would be interpretive signage and nature viewing opportunities,” he said.

Neil Dawe, president of Tract Consulting, the company chosen to design and expand the planning process, stated that the plan was being edged into the community to get a feeling on responses.

“This is concept planning. Before we put any shovels in the ground, before we spent any money we wanted to see what we were going to do with tourism and recreation in Deer Lake, in the region,” said Dawe.

The consulting company has been working with the Deer Lake Tourism Corporation since February, brainstorming ideas and mapping up designs.

The reiterated message of the meeting was the importance of walking trails in Deer Lake or any community. Dawe said the majority of visitors are nature-based in the fact that they visiting Marble Mountain or Gros Morne.

“Trails make for an appreciating asset. They have a positive impact on the equity of your home if you’re close to a trail. There are health benefits associated with using the trails ... A trail system will cater to just about everybody. It’s a good investment for any community to make,” said Dawe.

Dawe broke down the elements of the tourism and recreation plan in a slideshow presentation for the 30 members of the public in attendance.

The concepts for development included a logo and tagline for the town, an interpretive theme flowing cohesively throughout the community, signage, trail development, highway beautification plan and Main St. enhancements and an airport landscape plan.

The presentation continued to show design for an expanded beachfront containing concessions, change rooms, enhanced parking, boardwalk and rest areas. A marina tucked into where Deer Lake meets the Humber River was proposed as well as a facelift to Main St.

Dawe said the four-phased project is expected to be developed over 10-15 years at an estimated cost of about $15 million dollars. Council must accept the plans before further development continues.