Lumsden North Beach upgrades enhance visitor experience

Canada's tourism sector is a key economic driver and the Government of Canada continues to ensure that tourism businesses, organizations and municipalities dependent on the sector, are resourced and ready for a strong, swift recovery. That is why the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is working with the Town of Lumsden to increase the visitor experience for one of the region's beaches and build more competitive and resilient communities.

July 27, 2021 · Lumsden, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canada's tourism sector is a key economic driver and the Government of Canada continues to ensure that tourism businesses, organizations and municipalities dependent on the sector, are resourced and ready for a strong, swift recovery. That is why the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is working with the Town of Lumsden to increase the visitor experience for one of the region's beaches and build more competitive and resilient communities.

Investment in beach infrastructure to boost tourism

Today, Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista­-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, along with the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods and MHA for Fogo Island-Cape Freels, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a total investment of $530,782 for the Town of Lumsden to support upgrades to Lumsden North Beach to enhance visitor experience and increase capacity to welcome more tourists to the area.

This funding will help the town construct a small multi-purpose building with check-in services, washrooms and visitor information. The project will also include landscaping and signage, as well as the installation of accessibility mats on the beach to better accommodate visitors with mobility issues.

Today's announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to support strategic initiatives that build strong and inclusive Atlantic Canadian communities.

"Our government is always looking for ways to support Atlantic Canadians and create opportunities for community growth and inclusion. By elevating visitor experience in Lumsden North Beach, and making improvements to popular tourist attractions all throughout Atlantic Canada, we're helping to make big impacts in communities and neighbouring regions for generations to come."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

"Lumsden is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Newfoundland and Labrador. People want to visit this area to confirm that the beach is as amazing as it looks in photos. This investment will amplify the tourist experience and allow the community and surrounding area to grow and benefit from this gorgeous coastline."

- Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

"The tourism industry is an economic generator in this beautiful area of the province, especially with assets such as Lumsden beach. We are proud to support the Town of Lumsden to enhance the tourism experience for residents and those visiting from outside the province."

- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

"The beautiful, white sandy beaches near Lumsden on Newfoundland and Labrador's Kittiwake Coast are among some of the best in Atlantic Canada. If you are a 'come-from-away' or looking to be a tourist at home, this area should be on your bucket list. I am delighted with today's funding announcement that will see upgrades to Lumsden North Beach, and commend the Town of Lumsden for wanting to enhance visitor experience, attract more people to the area and grow the local economy."

- The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Fogo Island - Cape Freels

"The Town of Lumsden is excited to be partnering with ACOA and the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. COVID-19 prompted Staycation NL to take off and the visitors to our beautiful town increased tremendously. Our beaches have gained a lot of attention in the past few years; visitors come from all over the province to spend some time with their feet in the sand. Our Council took concerns and issues that arose from the summer of 2020 and decided to address them, which gave us the opportunity to work with ACOA. This multi-purpose building, landscaping and signage project will be the beginning of our Tourism Journey."

- Mayor Denise Goodyear, Town of Lumsden

• The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), is providing a non-repayable contribution of $399,282 to the project.

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $131,500.

• Lumsden North Beach, one of three popular beaches in the area, is a stretch of about 2 kilometers of fine, white sandy beach on a peninsula that extends into the Atlantic Ocean.

• This project includes improvement of existing structures at Lumsden North Beach, as well as the development of a new multi-purpose 24x36 foot building outfitted with electrical and water services to provide a better standard of amenities to visitors.