Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every summer thousands of visitors come to Northwest Territories parks and campgrounds. The priority of the Government of the Northwest Territories is to keep our parks and visitor facilities in top condition to ensure these visitors have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
The Government of the Northwest Territories continues to make improvements and investments in parks and visitor facilities throughout the Northwest Territories. By making these improvements, we are encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore the tourist opportunities the Northwest Territories has to offer. This supports the 16th Legislative Assembly’s goal of a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.
The Western Arctic Visitor Centre in Inuvik has recently undergone a refurbishment, and major renovations were completed at the Fort McPherson Visitors Centre.
We have completed major renovations and improvements to several parks throughout the Northwest Territories. These include new or improved hiking trails, better interpretive signage, improved RV services, including sewage drop-off and additional electrical service.
In the Deh Cho, visitors to Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park can now enjoy spectacular views from a new viewing platform. New kitchen shelters have been built so visitors have a place to prepare and enjoy their picnic or barbeque.
As part of our commitment to green technology, we are proud to have introduced solar electricity at the new Sixtieth Parallel Visitor Centre. Since last spring we have been using solar hot water in shower buildings in Fred Henne Territorial Park, as well.
One of the most visible improvements is the brand new visitor centre at the 60th Parallel. This new facility provides an excellent first impression for visitors entering the Northwest Territories on Highway No. 1. Through interactive digital displays, arts and crafts exhibits, and much more, the centre provides visitors with information about experiences and activities in all Northwest Territories communities. This information will encourage people to explore our smaller northern communities. The fair distribution of benefits as widely as possible amongst communities and regions is one of the fundamental principles of Tourism 2015, A New Direction for a Spectacular Future.
We will be celebrating the grand opening of the visitor centre on June 2nd, and I would like to invite all of you to attend the opening of the new facility, which will include the unveiling of our new 60th Parallel welcome sign.
We have invested in our parks staff and contractors. These professionals work tirelessly to keep park users safe and ensure everything is in good working order. The comfort and safety of our visitors is of utmost importance to our parks officers. This summer they will have new uniforms that will make them visible to visitors as parks employees.
Mr. Speaker, our parks staff are one of our greatest assets. That is why we have invested in enhanced training programs this year. We know this additional training will ensure the parks staff have the skills and ability to maintain a safe environment for everyone to enjoy our parks. These investments have been made under the Maximizing Opportunities Strategic Initiative. They will help to ensure the beauty of our parks and facilities for many years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to mention that two of our parks and visitor attractions have been recognized in the 2011 Readers Choice Awards from RV West Magazine: Twin Falls received a Platinum award for Favourite Attraction; Silver went to Fred Henne Territorial Park for Favourite Overall RV Destination.
I hope you and your families have an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful parks and visitor facilities in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
