Community Development

The Tourism Infrastructure Master Plan was completed in March 2007, applications for funding were then submitted to ACOA and INTRD to partner with SABRI in funding a proposal to implement various components of the plan over a three year period. It was expected that the first phase of the project would have been completed in 2007, unfortunately, this was not the case. Much of the work proposed included the upgrading of many of the existing hiking trails within the region and these components could not be funded under ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.

We are pleased however to report that ACOA and INTRD have partnered with SABRI to fund a project valued $980,096 which will improve and increase tourism infrastructure and marketing of the same within the region. ACOA will be contributing $671,590 INTRD will be contributing $207,119 and SABRI will contribute $71,832 from the Community Development Budget, and $29,555 in-kind to the project. Parks Canada has also contributed to the project by providing in-kind support in the way of survey work and site inspections and have committed to maintain the infrastructure that will be constructed at L’anse aux Meadows. Most of the design work had been completed in 2008 and tenders have been called. The work is anticipated to commence in July 2009.

The following is the approved Statement of Work:

• Removal and replacement of existing cruise docking facilities at L’Anse aux Meadows, as well as a tour bus turnaround at the site;
• Development of a walking access to the French Oven site at Quirpon;
• Development of integrated signage; regional marketing activities to complement the activities of the Western Newfoundland and Labrador Destination Marketing Organization;
• Construction of three portable kiosks, which can be transported to festivals and activities in the region throughout the season.
• Detailed design to build on the initial concept drawings presented in the Tourism Infrastructure Master Plan.

Subsequent to this funding approval, SABRI submitted application to Service Canada and INTRD to fund some of the other work identified within the master plan that communities have been trying to access funding for. Funding for this initiative was also approved: INTRD is contributing $108,935; Service Canada is contributing $168,466; SABRI is contributing $108,683; and Parks canada is making a $12,000 in-kind contribution for site inspections.

This will include the upgrading of trails and development of rest stops, picnic and viewing areas throughout the region. The trail work proposed will be done in a manner that will use the natural landscape wherever possible, and may involve removal of some of the existing boardwalk and stairs where it is currently creating maintenance issues. The intention is to have trails that can be efficiently maintained. Trail head and interpretative signage will be installed which will compliment the gateway and directional signage to be developed, and will be unique to the SABRI Region. Another component of this funding includes an Oral History Project which commenced in October 2008.

For further information regarding this program please contact the Program Coordinator, Glenda Burden  at gburden@nf.aibn.com, Executive Director, Sam Elliott at s.elliott@nf.aibn.com or call the SABRI office at 454-3484.