Newfoundland's Corner Brook in line for $1m downtown revitalization

The city has just been told its downtown development plan will receive $500,000 in federal funding through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This bulks up Corner Brook's own investment of almost $450,000 and the Downtown Business Association's $60,000 contribution.

'We are very excited for the Downtown Revitalization Project to commence as it will create a more welcoming downtown for our cruise visitors through enhanced green spaces and leisure areas and improved wayfinding, which will make it easier for visitors to navigate through the downtown core,' said Nora Fever, business development manager, Corner Brook Port Corp.

Further developments involve new arts and recreational activities.

Thirty-five points of interest along the city's extensive network of nature trails are now automatically available via GPS-equipped mobile devices. 'It's a nice addition since a lot of cruise passengers walk the trails,' Fever said.

The city-centre Corner Brook Museum now houses the Rotary Arts Centre with studios for six artists in residence from the local university's visual arts program. Visitors can meet the artists and peruse their work.

Marble Zip Tours installed a ropes course at the base of Marble Mountain, a major attraction located 10 minutes' drive from the cruise port. The course expands family recreational offerings in the area.

Also, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the consolidation of four communities into the city of Corner Brook, and Fever said some commemorations may be adapted for the cruise market.