The White Wolf Snowmobile Club and Encore Community Arts Association are on the receiving end of combined funding from the provincial and federal governments totalling over $65,000.
The White Wolf Snowmobile Club is receiving $30,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund to enhance its winter tourism infrastructure. The project will include engaging a qualified contractor to replace one of the club's support facilities that is critical to the day to day functioning of the club, while also addressing safety concerns for facility users. The provincial government is contributing $14,756 towards this project.
A $15,531 investment from ACOA’s Business Development Program and $5,107 from the provincial government will help the Encore Community Arts Association implement its youth heritage theatre initiative. The project will enable the association to acquire equipment, undertake marketing activities and engage professional services to support its 70-minute heritage theatre performances. The theatre production includes visual, musical and other sensory effects to recreate the early history of Labrador West.
It is thought that the two initiatives in Labrador West will improve tourism infrastructure, strengthen tourism offerings and attract more visitors to the region.
“By supporting and strengthening community organizations like the White Wolf Snowmobile Club and Encore Community Arts Association, the provincial government is helping to enhance visitor experience offerings in Labrador West, while increasing the overall economic benefit to the region,” Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation Minister Christopher Mitchelmore said in a press release.
Municipal Affairs and Environment Minister and MHA for Labrador West Graham Letto noted the importance of the community groups in terms of tourism and economic development in the district.
“Our Encore group will highlight the culture and history of Labrador West, keeping it alive and educating our youth while the White Wolf Snowmobile Club opens up the door worldwide for our tourism development through Cain’s Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race and our world class snowmobile trails,” he was quoted as saying in the release.
Labrador MP Yvonne Jones noted that Labrador attracts tourists from all over the world because of its natural beauty, rich history and unique culture. She noted that support for community groups such as these plays a key role in tourism growth for the benefit of visitors, residents and local businesses.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA Navdeep Bains said, “Tourism is an important industry in Atlantic Canada that offers a tremendous opportunity for further economic growth. That is why we are pleased to support these valuable projects in Labrador West that will help increase tourism capacity, promote the region’s culture and history and benefit the local economy.”
