Thank you, Mr. Chair. This
strategic investment represents proposed capital plan investments over the next three years, and it’s critical to strengthening and renewing elements of our parks system.
Together the strategic initiatives identified make up an essential component of our tourism infrastructure in the Northwest Territories. Without this investment we are in danger of compromising our existing investment of time and money that we as a government have dedicated to building and diversifying our tourism sector and investing in the economic growth and diversity of our communities.
Implicit in this proposed investment are specific initiatives that we have identified which will be eliminated should this investment not be possible.
For the record, I’d like to highlight the strategic initiatives that we have identified for investment over the next three years.
One, much-needed upgrades to the Sixtieth Parallel Visitor Information Centre. This centre is the welcoming centre for visitors travelling north along the Mackenzie Highway. It is a gateway to our territory and is a key component in linking visitors to the NWT with parks, campgrounds and communities. This facility is in dire and clearly evident need of repair. It is a 40-year-old structure that requires extensive retrofitting and upgrading. More importantly, this facility does not portray a good first impression for the travelling public. We have invested heavily in attracting increased load traffic for our region. Our work was reflected in a 32 per cent increase of visitors at the Sixtieth Parallel. We must follow through on this investment and take the necessary steps to ensure that the first impression these travellers have of our region is professional and informative.
Two, the rescue of the Fort Smith Mission Historic Park. The old mission site in Fort Smith and its buildings were purchased by this government to be preserved as a representation of the culture and heritage of the Fort Smith region. It provides a significant feature and attraction for tourists visiting the Fort Smith region, and we have been working with the Northern Life Museum to restore the seven buildings that make up this historical site.
Three, a protected area park. This government has committed to the protection and conservation of special areas in our territory under the Protected Areas Strategy. This strategy allows us to use the Territorial Parks Act to identify and protect areas that are important to our wildlife, economy, culture, environment and values. We are anxious to advance this work quickly in the interests of developing our natural tourism infrastructure, advancing the economic returns of investment in
this sector, while sustaining historic and cultural ties with our environment. We need to complete the PAS process in areas that will complement our department’s commitment to meet the growing demands for ecotourism and outdoor adventure.
Four, airport and road signs. Signs are a key element in the competition for tourism dollars. The GNWT operates the signs program on the NWT highway system and at key entry points to our territory. There are two issues driving the need for investment in this area. First, existing signs are aging and dilapidated. Second, we need to respond to an increasing complaint from tourists travelling in our region who say that we need to increase and improve our signage to allow them to fully connect at NWT tourism projects.
Five, the government’s Tourism 2010 plan identifies infrastructure as a critical pillar in our tourism product.
Six, an RV park for the North Slave region. There is an overwhelming need for additional or expanded RV facilities in the North Slave region. This demand is driven by both an increase in road tourism to our territory and a rising local demand that reflects the growing population of young families. An additional 70 per cent increase is now forecasted in the demand for RV camping facilities in the North Slave region by 2015.
Tourism is an export industry bringing new dollars into our economy, and it is the largest renewable resource industry in the Northwest Territories, far exceeding the returns from trapping, fishing and forestry combined. Parks infrastructure is an extremely important tourism attractor. Thank you, Mr. Chair.