CBS hopeful of getting a front seat on tourism funding

By Mark Squibb

CBS council’s economic development committee is hoping to take advantage of a new federal program aimed at bolstering tourism offerings.

The Tourism Growth Program, launched in November has a budget of $108 million over three years to help communities, small businesses, and not-for-profits enhance their tourism offerings. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is responsible for overseeing the money in Newfoundland.

The Town of CBS has already contacted ACOA to arrange a meeting to discuss project ideas prior to submitting an application. Current project ideas include upgrades to Topsail Turf, a parking lot at the Spruce Hill Road T’railway Access point, and support for Savour CBS.

Under the program’s criteria, priority is supposed to be given to projects that drive visitation from urban centres to rural areas, support Indigenous tourism efforts, support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability, outdoor activities, extend the tourism season, or complement supports being provided through provincial or territorial programs.

According to the minutes of the economic development committee’s last meeting, the Town is also considering whether to buy Adirondack chairs for strategic placement in CBS. Adirondacks come in wooden and plastic varieties and are made distinctive by their backward sloped seats, tall backs, and wide armrests.