Over $2.7 Million for Quidi Vidi Park Redevelopment Project

Friday, October 26, 2018 - 12:30 PM
artist rendition of Boathouse at Quidi Vidi Lake after redevelopment

Today, the City of St. John’s, in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), has announced over $2.7 million in funding for the Quidi Vidi Park Redevelopment Project. The scope of the project includes upgrades to the existing parking area at the Boathouse, replacement of the existing wharf, and enhanced accessibility along the north bank concession area.
 
“This project will improve safety and accessibility at Quidi Vidi Lake and demonstrates Council’s continued support for outdoor recreation and community events such as the Royal St. John’s Regatta,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “The City is contributing $1.26 million towards upgrades that will enhance the overall experience of participants and spectators at the Regatta and other events that take place around the lake.”
 
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing $950,000 in funding towards the project through its Business Development Program.
 
“Our government is committed to making smart investments in Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry to further develop quality attractions such as Quidi Vidi Park, which will bring more visitors to our shores,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. “This investment in the city of St. John’s will increase economic benefits for local businesses by attracting more visitors to the park and allowing a greater variety of program and event offerings throughout the year.”
 
“Quidi Vidi Lake is an iconic venue where residents, community groups and visitors to St. John’s can enjoy our beautiful city together,” said Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East. “Our government is proud to partner in these important upgrades to the facilities and trails around the lake, which will allow more people to enjoy not only a third century of the Royal St John’s Regatta, but the myriad of activities, fundraisers and community celebrations enjoyed around the lake every week.”
 
The Provincial Government, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation’s Regional Development Program, is contributing $500,000 towards the project.
 
“Through actions of The Way Forward, the Provincial Government is working to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living,” said Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. “We are pleased to support the Quidi Vidi Redevelopment Project, which will provide various benefits such as making the lake a safer place for pedestrians and present opportunity for users to enjoy a greater variety of programs and events.”
 
Through enhanced accessibility and safety there is an opportunity to host more community events at Quidi Vidi Lake in the future.
 
“The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee is extremely pleased that the City of St. John’s, ACOA and the Provincial Government have agreed to move forward with this phase of the Quidi Vidi Park Master Plan during this, our 200th Anniversary year, by improving safety for the public and rowers alike, through the extension of the pedestrian trail-way and realignment of the traffic flow around the Boathouse,” said Charles Cook, 200th Anniversary Committee Chair and Past President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee. “With the beautification of the area near the Boathouse and the terracing of the north bank, the Quidi Vidi Redevelopment Project improvements will greatly enhance the citizen, user and visitor experience.”

The Quidi Vidi Redevelopment Project improvements are outlined in the attached backgrounder.
 
Media Contacts:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca
 
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
 
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Natural Resources
709-729-5282
DianaQuinton@gov.nl.ca
 
Charles Cook
200th Anniversary Committee Chair
Royal St. John’s Regatta
709-687-2490
ccook@nl.rogers.com