Facility upgrades will better position the City for growth in the convention market and boost tourism in the area.

Today, at a media conference, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced $523,294 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund for the City of Corner Brook to upgrade its Civic Centre to better meet the needs of the growing convention and meeting industry and enhance tourism activity throughout the region. Mayor Pender joined MP Hutchings to commit support to the upgrades at the Civic Centre.

The project will involve major upgrades to the facility’s lighting, the purchase of new equipment and the development of a marketing and business plan, which will evaluate Corner Brook’s potential opportunities for future growth in the provincial and national convention market.

Opened in 1997, the Corner Brook Civic Centre has established itself as Western Newfoundland’s premier event facility. The Civic Centre, which contains two arenas, a gymnasium and seven conference rooms, was the host for the 1999 Canada Winter Games, and more recently hosted several events for the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada believes that investing in key community infrastructure is an effective way to spur economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity.  We are pleased to support the City of Corner Brook through this investment, which will enable it to take advantage of economic opportunities in the convention market, as well as ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the region’s tourism industry.”

     – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Through ACOA, the Government of Canada continues to make strategic investments that support long-term growth of key sectors such as tourism, which plays a major role in economic development on our province’s beautiful west coast. This project will strengthen an important community asset that will enhance Corner Brook’s ability to market itself as a convention destination and expand its presence in the meeting and convention industry. This, in turn, will help bring more visitors to the west coast, boost tourism growth and generate new economic activity for Corner Brook and the surrounding area.”

     – Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament, Long Range Mountains

“We sincerely appreciate and want to thank Minister Navdeep Bains and our Member of Parliament Gudie Hutchings for their support and significant investment in the Civic Centre. This investment is not just about furniture and fixtures, it is about investing in a vision to attract more events, meetings, and convention activities that will strengthen and enhance economic development opportunities within our city, and our entire region. I am proud to join with our federal government to address a key priority for Corner Brook.  This is another example of the importance of an effective partnership with government in order to get things done on behalf of all our constituents. I look forward to continuing our work together to meet people’s needs now and into the future.”

     – His Worship, Charles Pender, Mayor, City of Corner Brook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

His Worship, Charles Pender
Mayor, City of Corner Brook
709-637-1537
cpender@cornerbrook.com

Paul McGrath
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paulmcgrath@canada.ca